Eyes flutter open to a gray and cloudy sky
everything seems to be blanketed
with a fine cool mist of gray drabness
hair spread out floating upon
white cotton pillow
sheets cool thin and papery
gown white and soft

thin feet swing over to side
to slip on cool hard wooden sandals
underneath them frosty wooden floor
stand and gaze out covered bright windows
long lace curtains fluttering in soft cold breeze
slight smell of crisp rain
chime of sad gray church bells

wooden table dry and aching
chairs tiredly sigh pushed in
tea whittle whirling a moan
tiny china cups clink pleasantly
slender spoon drops sugar cube with soft plop
aroma of warmth and herb
soothe aching shoulders and souls

soft taps of pencil on paper
small crackling sound of opening old book
poetry and words
old letters and songs
float in and out of folds of creased pages

whispering wind among
folded leaves of trees
cloudy gray sky sighs
and lets tears drop onto
Earth and it's inhabitants
drab gray cobblestones and concrete
slickened and made shiny
clip clop of horses' hooves boots
and ladies' heels

tilted head and aching deep eyes
fingers resting ever so gently
on the handle of tiny china cup
dry mouth slightly parted
words hidden in soul
sharing the emptiness and solitude
of those alone
in the world.