memory of morning

you wake up to the sharp scent of bush tea

before the sun has touched the eastern hill

the clock is independent of your will

and early hours and you do not agree

free education does not come so free

that you can wait till after morning chill

just hurry and don't dare a drop to spill

that's just the way that matters have to be

the voices carried on that early air

from distant places each with their strange word

you had to mark and now cannot forget

but all your duty and your hard won care

won't turn back time or make the case absurd

since age owes youth a large and heavy debt