Sunrise (Poem)

 I’ve never enjoyed the view of sunrises
It was always too bright and too early 
My exhaustion creeps into my bones like the cold through my teeth
I stumble into Thursday before the rowdy boys are out getting their coffee 
I leave the lights off just to make sure I and my reflection don’t make eye contact
I comb my hair and brush my teeth
Hoping to shed the parts of me I don’t necessarily like 
I eat a pitiful excuse for breakfast if I have the stomach to 
I swallow down the hard truths of the day
I take a shower and pray that my hair dries before I leave the house 
I drink my coffee black and hope the bitterness in the cup makes the day more sweet
I wash my face and hope that the blemishes of my soul are less exposed to peering eyes
I put on my shoes and pray that I am not running from all the hurt I’ve been gifted with
I make my bed, tucking each edge, grasping for control in a slipping world
I throw on mix-match clothes to match my mix-match heart
I grab my phone, keys, and wallet and head out the door without thinking
I forget the importance of water
I hopscotch to my car and pray that it’s enough
I’ve never enjoyed the view of sunrises
But I don’t think I’d mind the view, as long as I had you