I have not seen a sunrise in a long time. The first early rays cross the sky while I sleep, briefly waking to close the blinds. I have not seen nature's beautiful orange liquid spill across the hills, filling the day with morning. I sleep.

I am awake when the world dreams and dozes. I m awake while covers keep husbands and wives snug and happy. I read. I sip my wine. I watch the clock and check the windows for pale signs of dawn. Soon the blackness changes and charcoal replaces a sky awash with stars. Soon that fades too and enough of the distant day's sun illuminates the trees. I hope to slip beneath a blanket before their limbs are clear and the day begins.

I have not seen a sunrise in a long time.