BEEN FORTY YEARS
wake up
flinch!
wake up
rush to put on
pants
socks
shirt
shoes
jacket
outside
outside
the air is still
the air is cold fresh
run for the barn
snow crunch
run with the dog
leaping
dancing
be the dog
be the barn
open the door
moist breathing
waking
switch on the light
fifty cows look at me
no flinch
no snort angry
winter’s warmest place
breathing
grain chewing
milking
chores
about to begin.