The moment before

In the moment before waking

A split second before

you remember who you are.

Before you remember that it wasn't a dream; you didn't dream it.

Before a mother remembers that her son was taken

               a patient wonders where their favorite nurse is today

               a child wakes to another day seeing their remaining parent crying silently

                a mother sees her child watching her grieve

It's just a split second before

You take in a breath

Before you remember the disease

  you remember the rot

you remember the slow motion turn

you even remember where you are

Before you remember to reach for the phone

Another moment before

Just a second

When all is well

Before you remember.