Early Riser, Thanksgiving Morning

Gooseneck lamp
and votive candle lit
here in my room,
bathroom light shining from
the house next door,
no sliver of dawn showing
but it’s still morning
on my skin, the cold
new day here if not yet
obvious to all.

In a moment
I’ll put out my lights
and close the shades
against the ones I can’t extinguish.
I’ll sleep a while longer until the full day
breaks through
and nudges me back awake.

Ask me what I’m thankful for
and I’ll tell you that there
is light you cannot avoid seeing
and light you can control. I am thankful
for the switch, I am grateful
for the finger that allows me to throw it, but
I am most grateful for the way light comes in
anyway, regardless of my choice.