Kettle

“Kettle” was published in the Avalon Literary Review.

in the morning
you move liquid
between vessels

the bed table glass
empty but for
a finger of water

silver in early light
the kettle, shaking
hissing

as you pour
the tea
anxious

morning is like that
the prickle of dread
as we remember our burden

steam wets your face
as you douse
the coffee grounds