Late

5 more minutes.....turns into 10.....turns into 15.....turns into oversleeping.

Rush, rush, rushing.
Wash, clothes on, stuff cereal down my throat, burn my mouth on tea.
Rush, rush, rushing.
Jog to the station, bustle on the overground that chugs along…..
Rush, rush, rushing.
Shin-burner to the underground, descend with a wave of commuters into the mouth of dusty tubes.
Rush, rush, rushing.
Squashed like sardines on the third attempt, hot and bothered, armpits in my face.
Rush, rush, rushing.
Burst out onto the carriage, up the escalators, beep my card, power walk the streets, jay-walk the lights, in the building, at my desk

10 minutes late.

Up before the alarm after a well-rested slumber.

Wash and dress at my leisure.

Breakfast is a pleasure.

Stroll to the station and get a seat.

The tubes are minus delays and extra commuters.

Walk to the building fully content; I know I’m on time.

I’m still 10 minutes late.