need

what I need to write a poem:
first light brightening the east
before dawn lazes
over the field
a door to close
my mocha within reach
wide expanse
of computer monitor
the alluring white page
calling, calling
begging for words

no journal and pen for me,
the endless cross-outs
that force rewriting
just to make it legible—
I choose cursor and backspace
cut, copy, or paste
swipe and delete
and ergonomic keyboard,
so my arms don’t ache

and the light, the lovely light
birthing a fresh day
opening the way for words
still, deep quiet settling
around me
an empty calendar helps—
too much pressure
and words flee to find
you, lucky you,
happy with paper and pen

2023 ©Amrita Skye Blaine
I’m writing a poem a day. These are drafts—not final versions.