Each day of my life

begins with a race

and I am the only one

who hears the starting gun

it’s a race for resources

limited in their access

a sprint against a teenager

who should be able to win

but for the discipline of age

that rises to the alarm

awakening in a hot shower

before the water heater runs out

while youth sleeps

and rests before the day

I revel in a five minute shower

that would be icy

against the half hour that is spent

when I lose that morning race

small victories

refined

so no one truly loses

I sneak my hot water

leaving enough for the next shower

relaxing

in the rigid schedule

of a tight race – Caroline A. Slee