This Morning

I awoke this morning

again, not as king, not president or general,

nor any other such thing.

I awoke this morning older, and as yesterday

and the day before, just as broke,

nothing more.

This morning I awoke to the news— a worldwide

disposition of

disquiet, unrest and disarray.

This morning I awoke much the same

as any other day, aching with arthritic hips

and monthly bills to pay.

I awoke this morning grateful again

with no bejeweled throne to sit upon, no esteemed oval

office to attend, nor any embattled fields to defend.

Coffee is a brew, the porcelain pot awaits its daily due.

And as for the rest of you—don’t bother to text, twitter,

Instagram, Facebook or call me until after 10AM.

I awoke this morning older, and as yesterday

and the day before, just as broke...

a world in disarray, and a few goddamn bills to pay.

Chris Hanch 3-8-17