Sonnet On Coffee In The Early Hours

Sonnet on Coffee In The Early Hours

I know so well that sleep won’t take me back,
But lie and shift ‘midst half-forgotten dreams,
Then sigh and roll and stumble out of bed
To dress by Braille and mem’ry in the dark.
The cat curls round my legs in mewed surprise
As I, ignoring all that good advice,
Stand watching while the kettle tries to boil,
Fighting the adage and night’s silvered light.
I hold a purring bundle in my arms,
Let heat and coffee percolate the room,
‘Til melancholy doffs ironic hat
To greet defeat by vapour with a smile.

The sky plays blues in endless empty bars:
The hill behind the house holds up the stars.

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