Papers stuffed neatly into their respective folders,

           Textbook clenched tightly against my side,

I turn to face the dawn.

            My mother stands against the light.

                       "You're losing sleep because of your schooling. Stay

                              home for a day, honey."

But I'd only have to make up the tests I'd miss, I'd have to study all over.

            "I can't miss, Mom."

             "That's what you always say."

I'd been studying all night, and when the electricity went out, I studied by moonlight.

             "Just spend the day with me. Don't go."

And for a moment, Mom is the moon,

              The pale-faced sliver that had been watching over me all through the night.

               I step aside and face the light, only it's blinding.

"Maybe some other day, Mom."

               And I allow the light to pull me into another day's work.