Dawning rays of light, Shouting clock, Sleepy eyes struggling to see, Body up and bathroom bound. Waste expelled, Air fouled, Toilet flushed Fan turned on. Womb-like and warm, Waters from above, Soothing the inner being, Cleansing the outward form. Break fast. Seat belt fastened, While engines rush to work. Yes sir, Yes mam, Whatever you say, The customer is always right, Until we are ready to kill! Five o'clock PM! And time to meet the boys at Yansky's bar, To partake of a little malt and rye, To cleanse the soul, Of labor's pain. The insults of another day, Drowned and numbed, Medicated, Sanity retained? Homeward bound. Hello sweetheart, How's your day? How are all the kids? Is supper ready? Let's all eat. Tommy, did you make the team? And Sue, how was cheerleading today? Have all the bills been paid? Have the dogs been fed? Time to do your homework, Yes, I know it's not fun, Life is not easy, We all have a job to do, Things must get done! Life in a box, Images on a screen, Programs planned for a twelve-year-old mind, Canned laughter, Escape into life without thought. Two more beers. Honey, how do you feel tonight? No headache-------good! Make sure the kids are in bed, And-------- see you a little later? Teeth brushed with sweetened breathe, Cream inserted, Lubricated jelly on the nightstand. Fondled embrace in bed, Movement-prodded fluid exchange, Explosion into ecstasy, Eight seconds of wonder and awe, Eight hours of office fantasies, Tamed at home. Puddled mass of potential life, Some of it on the sheets. Soiled towel. Lights out? Doors locked? I love you, honey, Good night---- and sweet dreams. Doug Soderstrom August 19, 2002 Copyright 2002