Before daybreak

in the shapeless moments
between sleep and inspiration

I open my eyes to
the faint pre-dawn light.

Rousing courage and will
I throw off the blanket

don a robe for the chill
and shuffle towards the kitchen.

I turn on the lights
and let my eyes adjust

realizing with a smile
we had cleaned up last night.

Pressing the start button
on the superautomatic makes

a grinding noise louder than
construction work banned ‘til eight.

No matter, burnt chocolate
smoked cedar and toffee

flood from nose to brain awakening
embryos of pleasure-memory.

I make two doubles and
carry them to the bedroom

where she begins to stir from
her shadowy sleep.

Sitting back on the pillows
we take our first sips

the tawny crema crusting
on her upper lip.

Caffeine coursing through veins
I time the soft rush

two seconds to my chest
three more to my arms.

Now my mind is
heating up and

I’ve got to choose
which dreams to pursue

as darkness gives way to light.