Early Bird

at 4 am, your middle of the night,
may I quietly begin my days

let me plan ahead with coffee
ground the night before,
no lights to shine upon your face

may I be inspired to tasks
that keep the still quiescent space

let my footsteps lightly fall
that you may slumber still
let me move with silent grace

and when your time of rising comes
I'll greet you with fresh coffee
as we exchange a smile and loving gaze

Night Owl
at 9 pm when your dream time comes
may I quietly conclude my days

let me retreat within
turning down the sound
and lowering all the shades

may I find pursuits as
softly hushed as evening grays

let me move about in calm
that you may find repose
let me move in soundless ways

and when my time to sleep grows near
I'll gently join you in your dreams
as out our window velvet moonlight plays