Up at five oclock its dark and damp as I crawl out of bed I’m thinking I hate early mornings

Bathroom then dress with one eye on the clock while trying not to wake my partner soundly sleeping

Grab my phone and walk downstairs trying to remember what I need to take to work

A cup of tea a smoke and listen to the news as quietly as I can

I gather together my crockery cutlery and food to last me through the next thirty two hours at work its more like an expedition than a shift

As I leave the sunrise gives me cheer spreading its light across the land washing away the thoughts of lost sleep

Just another day and a half in the life of a key worker