Dawn always adores a brew 
with Night before her shift begins –
to hear any more damage done,
gales, fireworks, fairy lights.  

Somehow, she thinks Night 
is drawn to her fresh smile, 
only Time puts a stop to deep talk  
to developing feelings.

Night switches off stars, flicks on 
a slothful wintry sun, swears at it.
Dawn strokes robins awake, to sing 
smiles on to commuter faces,

but when she rises to offer Night 
more tea and a dunkable Oreo,
he has sloped off – typical man.
Sun gives a wink; Night will be back.

Helen Kay’s debut collection It Was Never About the Kingfisher (Dithering Chaps) was shortlisted for the 2025 Rubery Awards. She is known on fb for her hen puppet Nigella.