Under the Morning

You forced the sunrise
on me. I’d rather
be asleep
but since we’re up
let’s open the shade—
watch the passing storm
harass the trees.
Streetlights still burn
against the gray light
blowing up the street.
Opposite us,
a light clicks on—
a neighbor
about to leave.
As she hurries to her car,
wind full in her hair,
you decide
enough with the scenery
time to eat.
The cat agrees.

Along my Morning Freeways

The Plein Airs brush
eucalyptus trees
along my morning
freeways, bathe me
in an orange light
more sunset
than sunrise.
My windshield’s too wide
to focus on
from the inside
but I’ve got a song
just right
for the top of this curve
where the road
hits the sky—
fine with the cars ahead,
the road,
the yellow lines.