Morning Beauty
it's still early, still dark. I can hear the steam hissing from the kettle and the usual early morning rumble-- “Have you seen a hairbrush anywhere?” “Hurry up, I need to brush my teeth!” slam, bang the door closes with a whoosh of cold air. then I see the boy and his mom leaving the next house to make it to work and school on time they stumble in the morning darkness like they only just woke up and the boy has a backpack on his shoulder. they don't say anything, these two. just climb into the car and slip away the sky is starting to bleed with light and the trees peel out of the dark and stand against the purple sky such beauty that for one moment the hustle and bustle behind everything doesn't touch it then unexpectedly the dog escapes by way of the swinging front door and the moment is lost in another early morning scramble.