in the morning

you know those quiet mornings when no one else is up?
in the kitchen i set the coffee maker to a medium sized cup. let it smoothly churn into my mug as i inhale the buttery beans of espresso.
i make my way back to dad's office where i creak into his big leather chair.
and for a while i just take in the morning.

the light coming through the oak trees in the front yard, soft and dewy.
the grandfather clock ticking off 8 hours, just like it did in my grandmothers house.
my hands resting on the cluttered desk of bills to pay, reservations to make and birthday cards to sign.

you know those quiet mornings when no one else is up?
oh. you dont?

let me tell you what its like when they are up.
showers running.
doors openings.
desmond barking.
mom says good morning.
a grunt in return.
cereal in a bowl.
coffee please.
door opening.
car idling.
off to an appointment.
door closing.
back open.
i forget my retainer.
sheepish grin.
rolled eyes.
back out the door.

you know those quiet mornings when no one else is up?
they are magical. partly because they are so quiet. but also because i wait in anticipation to see what will break the silence.
and then i will make my way into the kitchen.
leaving dad's office for another morning.