with trepidation

I enter a new system

for which no road map

motionless morning

the sky a smooth grey canvas

for your brilliance

It’s time now to leave

the world of dreams and enter

the virtual day

backspace and replace,

delete, bin, trash disabled

the escape key fails

jealous eyes watching

behind pale masks slip within

recruiting through fear

oh six thirty eight

the street lamps turn themselves off

dog gives a long sigh

the week begins slow

and quiet and soft except

a clock counting time

the sky a flat grey

few lights no sound of traffic

a distant dove calls