There is a moment
when time seems perched
before lifting off again
like a restless chickadee

You know it will fly soon
but seeing its beauty,
though common,
is delicious, nevertheless

4 am on call in the hospital
is that time for me
where fatigue disappears
and I am awash in clarity

In that moment, like between breaths,
that forbidding place is transformed into a peaceful
and comforting house outside
of yesterday and today

It doesn’t last long
as if someone remembered
to hit the advance button
and we need to catch up to meet the dawn.