Aubade

In a store window a shopkeeper
disrobes and dresses a stiff mannequin.
At the bus-stop children line up, ready for school.

An elegantly attired woman hurries down the street,
high heels clicking on the sidewalk,
a brief-case purse tucked under her arm.

During the night, dreams kept us company,
our eyes shut tightly against the darkness,
our bodies lying inert in our beds.

Now it is morning. The world of activity
replaces the world of dreams. We are eager
to be going somewhere, doing something.

We shake off our dreams, with their mysterious messages,
as if they were unwelcome thoughts
or unbidden premonitions of death.

Now, we are healthy and active,
opening store blinds, displaying merchandise,
preparing for business. The day begins.

Copyright by Carolyn Zonailo: www.carolynzonailo.com, 2004