She thought she was leaving early.
She put her clothes on and went out the back door,
Stumbled right into broad daylight.
A couple of the neighbors were walking their dogs.
A kid played with hot wheels out on the curb.
She held her head up but turned it away
To avoid condescending stares
Or recognition.
She thought she was leaving early.
Well, it was early for her.

I wanted to take her by the hand,
Look her in the eye
And tell her it's OK.
It's all about self revelation.
We're all doing the best we can,
And we are all paddling from the same canoe.
But I knew it wouldn't do any good,
Because I'd gotten up too early,
Too early for me anyway.

-jenn