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Stephanie Griswold

The night before

Workout clothes wait for morning while sleep is interrupted by caffeine, a child’s growing pains, and the snooze button. A short poem about intention, exhaustion, and beginning again.

· 1 min read

Flat lay of pink sportswear and accessories for a fitness routine on marble.
The workout clothes set out the night before,
a symbol of intention
to be donned
well before the return of dawn.
The night commences with tossing and turning,
only to be reminded of the innocent dark chocolate square—
apparently enough caffeine to keep one awake
for more hours than the ounces it weighed.
Sleep finally sneaks in,
only to be interrupted by the pitter patter of a child,
the tears of growing pains
audibly matching the growth I've seen.
As the alarm finally rings to announce the end of sleep,
the snooze button beckons to be pushed and pushed
until finally
"late" becomes "too late."
Bleary-eyed and stiff,
the morning begins.
Gratitude for the coffee already prepared the night before,
the fail safe to a long night.
The workout clothes remain neatly arranged,
hopeful for another morn.

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About the author

Stephanie writes about the inner lives of people, leaders, families, and communities. Her work begins in ordinary moments and follows the questions they uncover.

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