The neurones begin firing as the first shreds of golden light burst through the cracks in the venetians; sending the crew to assess the situation. They speed from the back of the brain to the eyes, heaving the weighty lids open, commanding the eyes to take stock of the situation. Resisting the commands the eyelids fall closed again. Another command comes, assaulting the languid peace. A piercing trill coming from across the room, the ears channel the alert to the crew, doubling their efforts the eyelids are thrust open, no longer heavy. Reflexively, the green light flicks on and the warm, soft covers are thrown into the air. With a soft but firm thud the feet hit the ground, left and then right, moving rapidly towards the cacophonous perpetrator to silence it. Before central command is able to process what is going on, the enemy is silenced, the body alert.
No longer dark and peaceful, reality pours in, rapidly filling the room, expelling all hints of misty fantasies gone by. The heart begins to pound and like the room, the head fills with the light of the day ahead. The light is but fleeting when put into perspective and only lasts a short while. Like an expensive wine it is crucial to bask in every moment of day ahead because like everything, it will inevitably come to a close. Thoughts and plans, like race cars around Monte Carlo, rush around and around in the head, going faster and faster with each passing moment.
Crucial to survival the mind must take a pit stop. Slowing down into the pits, the breaks come on with every focussed breath, until finally coming to a complete halt. Crossed legs, relaxed hands, relaxed mind. Each breath comes and goes, brushing the tip of the nose, recharging the ageing batteries.
Once the mind is still, the day can begin again, but no longer with the anxious fervour of the awakening. The heart and mind are slowed, focussed, able to notice all that occurs in the day, the door is opened and the world rushes in. You are ready to face it.
Harrison Hansford 