early in the morning

when the first dogs and their owners grogilly patrol the streets

I wrap myself in a pitch-black flag and set out to taste the day

erratic laughter, dizzy skipping, twirling in the wind

freaking out the neighborhood;

planting a kiss on an old lady’s cheek

giddily gifting tulips

barking and howling at everyone and everything;

 

then stumbling back up my building’s stairway

hunting down the morning’s first cup of coffee