My battery alarm clock buzzed at 4:30 a.m.,
and I walked toward my parents’ voices
as the radio talked about the power outage
and we listened with flashlights.

I brushed my teeth, put on makeup,
and changed clothes in dim light.
Then I carried a bag containing
papers I graded the night before
grateful that there was power yesterday.

I reversed out of the driveway with caution
and measured the distance
between car headlights
as I crossed the intersection.

There were rows of lights on the freeway,
and I drove along with everyone
trying to forget the inconvenience
depending on lights to guide my way.

—Ann Inoshita