Grinding coffee

on the porch

as the dog

does her business.

I don’t want

to stir my wife or kids.

They need sleep.

The wood underfoot is so cold

my feet burn.

But it feels good

to be

outside

on another Alpena April

morning.

And now, inside,

I sip warm liquid

and get to work,

the keys clicking,

the dog snoring,

the birds waking the world

with song.

~ K.J.