Emerging

 
Soft strumming gently reaches into subconscious
nudging from night to day
Crooning me out of death-deep sleep

Body lazily develops awareness of warmth
cozy flannel nest shielding me from the steel air of dawn

Hints of joyful sounds and delicious scents
not tempting enough to lure me from the safety of this cocoon

Here there is
no expectation
no failure
Only pillow-soft welcome without demands

Luxuriating in the caress of tranquility
lingering in shadows of half-consciousness as life rises around me

Just a little longer….

Imperceptible at first
fingers of guilt begin to poke
Dip into the serene pool of my mind
stirring up lists and concerns
Contentment gives way to dejection
Aggravation

Responsibility descends heavy as a wool blanket
Fear of exposure as self-absorbed sloth
Submission to duty

Propelled by conscience

And a gathering breath of courage

I plant my feet on the cold floor