thank the night.
A large black bird carried a ball of light on a string tied to her foot. The ball was many times bigger than she was. Still, she dragged it around the earth day and night.
Most of us slept through it. We woke only to check our clocks. Just to make sure she was not late.
No rest for the wicked.
We danced in the light for a while. Hurried between caves. Sometimes stealing a few seconds to yourself in meeting room B. Sun warming your face through the window. Wiggle your toes. Pretend there is sand there instead of sock.
When we finally emerge from the blue glow of our screens, the bird has already moved on. Flying by, we say. Always rushing.
All she hears are the fading compliments of the glowing ball that keeps her tethered to the job.
My head hit the pillow.
I opened my eyes, but a blanket of darkness had already covered me. I thanked the night.
Somewhere in the distance a crow cawed. She sounded knackered. I buried my face in the pillow. Lifted it again. I will call my mother tomorrow, I told the headboard. Then pressed myself back down into memories and foam.