dawn’s cool yawn at 7 o’clock

breathes blood orange, dripping down

onto the narrow path- a painting by leaves

as she strides- hopeful- to the library

 

while alarm clocks moan and buzz and tease,

with soft strokes,  auburn lines the streets

collected- she exhales minty air

like a great mythical something’s fiery breath

and caffeine drives scuffed white trainers

forward-  

muddling that marble tapestry

 

a fading pale bikini strap glints quietly

beneath her checkered scarf,

(not like a fuchsia summer ghost

making for a sickly misty mind)

walking through the frost and through this change

there’s so much self to find

 

 

Illustration by Isabel Kilborn