A Bitter-Sweet Awakening Poem by Tyler Lashbrook

I lie within the comfortable confines
of my bed, nestled in warm sheets.
Dreaming about scoring the game-winning shot
against the Lakers in the NBA finals.

Yet the shot-clock goes off
before the time reads zero.
This unexpected event startles me
and I find myself wide awake.

The tableside digital clock reads 3: 05 AM.
The sheets begin to lose their comfort
and I’m becoming more uneasy
as I rise up out of bed,

scratch my weary eyes with rough knuckles,
then cover my face with wide palms.
A light on the dresser catches my attention
and I walk over to the cell phone

that has rudely interrupted my utopian dream.
“New Message! ” fills the screen.
Regrettably I click view
and look at the note that couldn’t wait until the morn.

“I love you” is all the text reads.
With a misleading smile
I forcefully press the exit button.
Turn the phone off with much dominance

and return to bed with a smile.
Knowing that in the morning
you will be there.