Before Dawn

I sit up alone in my room amidst the darkness,

As I usually do.

I wake in the quiet hours of the morning,

The world sunken in sheets of slumber,

Eyelids softly stirring from dreams

Of chasing glory and nightmares.

Those placid hours of night

Are mine alone.

Those minutes of encompassing silence,

A vessel for my thoughts.

The air is crisp, cool,

Untainted

By the disease of all that must be done,

And the many miles to be traveled.

I open my eyes to no one waiting for me,

And wrists free of knotted rope, for now.

I inhale the sweet breath

Of stillness

Before dawn.