Collaboration #2, a collaborative flash series with Colleen Davick

You wonder: Why am I awake at this hour?

At this cold, subzero dawn.

Slowly the distant stars fade, and a pale casting of light

Rises between the buildings. A low hum from

Lake Shore Drive plays behind hesitant birdsong.

Even the sparrows are subdued, fighting against headwinds,

Head colds, hungover from their desperate struggle to survive.

We all have our balancing act, teetering on the brink

Of a new morning.