The Quiet
A poem by  Gary Grossman

The Quiet

Rising before the sun
I leave the bed softly,
my beshert unstirred,
then tread across our slate-blue
Spanish floor, its breathe
unseen in the dark.

Every day yields thin sheets of
happiness, to be separated,
and held lightly by their bequests.

And the hour before dawn is
a silk jacket, if you chose to
extend your arms.

I make the coffee, pouring
hot water over grounds dark
as burnt oak. It is a slow dance
in the unlight, requiring
patience and steady hands,
as dawn tries to climb into
our eastern kitchen window.

The coffee rested, I
pour a cup and return
to bed, pillows propped up
against our white-worn
headboard.

My wife shifts—her right leg
now sleeps against mine, as
I sit, drinking black coffee,
in the almost morning.

About the Author:

 Gary Grossman’s writing appears in 38 literary reviews and his piece “Mindfulness” is nominated for inclusion in Best Small Fictions 2023. Gary’s  poetry book (Lyrical Years) is available from Kelsay Press, and his second, What I Meant to Say… will be released by Impspired Press in Dec. 2023. His graphic novel, My Life in Fish… is available from todaysecologicalsolutions@gmail.com , and will be reissued by Impspired in 2024.

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