the pre-dawn breeze
blows my hair
into my face
stinging my eyes
and sticking to
my lips
the cats are
all inside
sitting
staring
waiting
for me to come in
and i notice
that my
cigarette has
gone out
while i stare
and pull the hair
out of my eyes
one horizon glows
with the coming
sunrise
the other with
the lights from
the city
i sit in a
valley of darkness
where the stars
are visible
and the rising
moon
lights up the yard
it's quiet now
no a/c's running
no jets landing
no helicopter parade
flying overhead
just the sound
of the breeze in
the palms
which makes me
think of a
tropical island
i am on an island
of my own making
and i like
it here.