Early Hours, Content Moments

This morning I was inspired to write this piece below -- I'm not even sure what to call it.  A short, short story?  A brief fictional piece?  It's not my usual style.  I don't consider myself a romantic writer.  But sometimes you just have to go with what inspires you or what comes flooding to your head (and typing fingers).  Sometimes it's fun to play around with a style that you think is contrary to your skills and typical mindset. 

I thought I'd be brave and share it here --


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Early Hours, Content Moments

Fuzzy words and unclear lyrics blared suddenly from the alarm clock.  The time was 5:45 a.m.   Saturday morning.  The couple laughed at the irony of the noise since they had already been awake for an hour.

How differently they would have felt if they were deep in slumber when the musical rooster jolted them.  How annoyed they would have been to miss those extra minutes on the feather pillows.  How desperately they would have exclaimed over the cat putting claws to the carpet as a personal scratch pad. 

None of that phased them though.  Lying in the comfort of their dirty sheets and unshaven bodies, the no-longer newlyweds seemed at peace with the early inconveniences.  For once, they didn't mind the odd hour.  Time alone was rare these days.  With a growing baby down the hall, their intimate moments were harder to grasp. 

She wrapped her legs around his waist, smiling to herself as she could not perform that trick a year ago.  He stroked her back and whispered into her ear how beautiful she looked.  Even after being married nearly a decade, the wife felt self-conscious over her unbrushed teeth and crusty eyes.  Yet her partner looked at her like a Victoria's Secret runway model.  And he loved her like an elderly couple celebrating sixty years of matrimony. 

After a few more chuckles and pet sounds, the mates mustered the energy to climb out the bed.  Coffee was needed, badly. 

The husband began the brew - a strong flavor with a pecan scent.  The wife washed her face then laughed at herself in the mirror.  The words "hot buns" were printed across her boxer shorts.  She shivered in the cold air though, wishing instead for hot cinnamon buns to accompany that cafe au lait.

To warm up, she stepped outside on the patio.  Humidity instantly hit her skin but felt good.  Carefully, she left the screen door open so she could listen for the baby.

After a few minutes, the husband joined her with two mugs in hand.  They sat side by side in faded chairs creaking. 

Barely sunrise outside, the couple engulfed nature sounds.  Birds were chirping furiously, a party of feathered friends where humans were not invited.   The wife pointed out a cardinal perching on the fence and admired its red beauty. 

The husband chatted casually about work affairs.  The wife listened but still absorbed her habitat -- roosters crowing in the distance, a jet flying high overhead and a neighbor's dog barking for attention. 

Their brunch only lasted several minutes but felt like a lingering hour.    Before they became too lost in the contentment, the baby moaned and cried out. 

The wife arose to make milk.  The husband moved down the hall to greet his daughter. 

The early hour may cause the couple's day to seem long; yet the brief tender moments will hover over them, just as the warm blankets did at 4:30 a.m.


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As you read this, how did you feel?  Be honest.  Did you feel warm and fuzzy?  Did you want to vomit?  Did you wish you were a part of that couple?

I'd love to hear your feedback, especially since this is different from how I typically compose or think in my writing.  Thanks!