Early

you say
if you wake up early enough
you can catch a worm
and that the bird in your hand
is worth more
than the one hiding
in the honeysuckle bush

i ask
where is the sport
in waking up early
to chase
and disembowel
a wretched worm?

i say
if you wake up early
you’re better off standing
beside the still pond
bearing witness to the quiet
and if you’re really lucky
you might catch
a glimpse
of your guardian angel’s heel
as she tiptoes away
moreover
i say
that bird in your hand
will not sing

you laugh
and there it is
the difference
between you
and me.

Copyright Iole Damaskinos 2005