From the inception of our lives,
once sheltered
by the innocent warmth of the womb,
we wake to bright hospital lights
and our groaning mothers.

From the inception every day,
out from our hazy world of dreams
cocooned in the comfort of a familiar bed,
we rise with reluctance
to the frigid morning air.

Alarm clocks routinely ending
comfort we were never aware of
until we knew the bitterness
of being exposed to the world.