too soon the dawn

in her bedroom
my daughter sleeps
with a schnauzer by her bed
and possibly a dachshund
under the covers with her
she is curled up
fetal position
head drooping over the side of the bed
her feet pressing against the wall
on her iPod
dorothy and her friends
are having adventures
or maybe tonight
it is doctor dolittle
her angel nightlight
watching over her
and lighting her way
to midnight bathroom calls
in a few hours
it will be time for school
and this gentle, beautiful girl
whose laughter can lift
my weary spirits
will give her best impression of
a zombie being called
from that final rest

©2014-Art Belliveau