Early Riser Poem by Doug Gunderson

I’ve awakened rather early
While at someone else’s house.
I was never good at being
As quiet as a mouse.
Walking to the bathroom,
Brushing my teeth and hair
Hoping the dog don’t see me
or he doesn’t care
But he sees me and comes running
Letting out a little yelp
I try my best to calm him
Even though that does not help.
So I lean to pet him
and to calm him with my talk
And wonder if they’d notice
If I took him for a walk.
My lady still is sleeping
In her niece’s pink bedroom
While I look out the window
At the cloudy pre-dawn gloom.
Her brother’s family household
All snuggled in their beds
While I wake and find a pencil
With these thoughts in my head.
I hope I’m not intruding
On this vision so sublime
But I cannot help admiring
This quiet peaceful time.