I awaken cautiously, as I do each day

Inventory taking time

Will I need to lightly tread

ice packs,heating pad,Relpax

April's bird songs far too loud?

Will our rare spring sun be an insult,

My teens' hairdryers and bursts of laughs

like bullets to my wartorn skull

Our little dogs' happy greetings brushed away?

Wait, no, it is quiet on my northwestern front

Could it be a jewel , a diamond

a treasure that I collect and prize?

My body- neck to tip of skull is soft

Not hard as granite , hot as embers.

Today I will not live in an iron mask

made of pain and pretend that all

is fine. Mothers, teachers, we have to be

strong. My head in a vice I can still lead a class,

drive a carpool...and try not to snap.

This mornng I say, "Sing birds!",

"Come here, kids", "Shine sun!"

 "Turn on some music and let's dance!"

Quickly, quickly before the dark clouds

roll in again and the curtains will be drawn.