Morning has broken

I watched on
as the universe fluffed its lines,
tripping over evolving stories
keeping me in the dark,
gravity pulling my leg
Impossible to ignore
those below-the-belt punchlines
and a Big Bang
that leaves me seeing stars
 
It all happened so fast
A "hold on there”
kick-in-the-nuts moment
a doubled-over realisation:
I am mortal
and painfully aware
fairytales must cluster
in a galaxy elsewhere
 
In truth, I could have a brain bleed 
tonight and die in my sleep,
just like my father 
when he was my age
I won’t even know I’m dead,
no more than I knew I’d be born
Only the living are subject
to such subjective things
 
What a waste,
a goddamn waste
in all eternity
Why does consciousness 
surface at all
only to drain back
into the vacuum of space?
 
Yeah, thinking about death sucks
especially lying in bed
tossing and turning
trying to sleep
Wish I could fantasise instead,
tucked up nice and cosy
dreaming about all things rosy,
Like those early simians
who went to sleep as monkeys
woke up knowledge-hungry,
bipedal junkies,
after digesting the original
chicken-and-egg omelette
that self-prepared in a forest fire 
 
As for me,
I can’t even distinguish
divine awe
from Sod’s Law
since that probabilistic day 
my buttered toast fell
and landed vertical on the floor
Such aberrations occur, 
stuff one cannot conjure or control
Adult stuff?
If you like! 
Except kids experience (stuff) too!
 
Most frustrating part:
the universe tells no lies,
only portrays truth,
albeit in an emergent sense
Past to present tense,
the future unravels;
knock-on effects travel,
sometimes producing
sudden knock-backs
as temporal waves
come knocking on one’s door 
 
Still, I’m with the action now;
life hasn’t gone away
Besides, if I knew everything
or was omnipotent,
I’d eventually bore myself to death
in every possible way.
 
?
 
so came the morning
and just look at my pillow
well and truly fluffed 

By
David Kavanagh
Copyright © | Year Posted 2026

Poem

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Dietrich Avatar
March 8, 2026 at 4:05 PM
This is 23 for you on best new poems list. That's pretty good! I just now read it. It's philosophical while also maintaining your witty style. I call this type of free verse "stream if consciousness" because you are going where your thoughts take you. I quite like it.
Kavanagh  Avatar
March 9, 2026 at 2:24 AM
I’m always open minded when it comes to existentialism, and would tend to agree whatever the underlying truth behind reality is, its something we don’t fully understand, be it a God or big bang!
Dietrich Avatar
March 8, 2026 at 7:18 PM
Well I know you are agnostic from what I saw at that other poem of yours, but I assure you there is a plan. God is good and he is not the God that a lot of religious types find him to be. My opinion, of course, and I have hope in it. I am glad you at least have an open mind that God might exist! I study people who have had near death experiences . Those NDEs renewed my faith.
Kavanagh  Avatar
March 8, 2026 at 4:29 PM
Thanks Andrea. I’m delighted how well this one is being received, existential at the core, perhaps written as a protest to the universe, to get its act together, and explain why things happen out of the blue, turning our lives upside down, and the big question was there a ever a plan, cheers David
Dietrich Avatar
March 8, 2026 at 4:10 PM
Oh my, I mixed you up with another David. I think you are often philosophical. The guy I thought I was commenting to likes to write offbeat humor! Maybe you do that as well?
M  Avatar
February 18, 2026 at 9:16 PM
Belated POTD Congratulations David for this brilliant, thought provoking, funny and clever write….so deserving of POTD! Debx Soupmail!
Kavanagh  Avatar
February 19, 2026 at 1:02 AM
Thanks Deb, this is one of my own personal favourites, possibly takes a few reads with an open mind to fully grasp my pov on existential absurdism, thanks for Soupmail, cheers David
Daniels Avatar
February 15, 2026 at 4:59 PM
Aah, David ! Only came across this gem now. Belated Congrats on POTD for accurate humorous account of life, death & reflections there on. These are the best lines for me : “ Why does consciousness surface at all only to drain back into the vacuum of space?” I love it when poems mix up different realities. Lol, the buttered toast made me hungry. Sending blessings.
Kavanagh  Avatar
February 16, 2026 at 11:59 AM
Thank you Ghairo, I really don’t have the definitive answers about life, apart from spelling it out as I see it, I’m glad you see the humour and absurdism in this one, and hope you enjoy that buttered toast, it would be funny if it fell to the floor lol! Cheers David
Beaufort Avatar
January 25, 2026 at 12:53 PM
David, thanks for posting this fascinating read about our cognitive situation. It is amazing what we have and although it's only brief, I know I am enjoying every second of it. I do think the pleasantness we have would be nice to share with others or allow others to experience it to the extent possible. Of course, there are those who only think of themselves and don't care about the future. In actuality, I think humanity comes to an end at some time. However, why rush it? You are unique and add a great deal to this particular place. I would like to express my appreciation for what you have said here!!! Smiles, of course!!!!
Kavanagh  Avatar
January 25, 2026 at 2:53 PM
Great comment Duke, and one I don’t take lightly, that’s for sure, no more than I ever take tomorrow for granted, I do enjoy life but I take it on a day by day basis, this one is existentially written from an agnostic perspective, I understand and accept it’s not everyone’s cup of tea; but hey I’ll take your appreciation and smiles, and say cheers in return, David
Kavanagh  Avatar
January 24, 2026 at 12:46 PM
Vasovagal syncope —when the (nervous) system wrongly reacts to triggers such as heat (exposure), emotional distress, (fear) pain, (delusions), or the sight of blood. It can also be caused by (straining during bowel movements) yuk!
Kavanagh  Avatar
January 25, 2026 at 12:04 PM
I knew you were in bed with him!
Kavanagh  Avatar
January 25, 2026 at 5:17 AM
Exactly! so what are you even doing in this thread?
Kavanagh  Avatar
January 24, 2026 at 2:37 PM
You certainly do to your own detriment, but this section is for a completely different beast altogether,
Kavanagh  Avatar
January 24, 2026 at 1:26 PM
Oh it’s a terrible condition altogether, apparently in rare cases seeing me getting POTD can bring it on, no blocking over here!
La France Avatar
January 24, 2026 at 12:45 PM
David, a wonderfully penned poem and congratulations on receiving the POEM OF THE DAY honor, Constance
Kavanagh  Avatar
January 24, 2026 at 12:48 PM
Great to hear from you Constance, thanks so much for reading and stopping by with congrats, I’m delighted cheers David
Nicole Avatar
January 24, 2026 at 9:44 AM
Dear David, after reading the entire poem, and you have many thoughts to ponder within; the first line in the last stanza reminds me of a spiritual hymn. ' so came the morning. ' I can't help but feel these words so deeply. This part of the hymn I would like to share, it touches my heart in every way. " Then came the morning ! Night turned into day; The stone was rolled away; Hope rose with the dawn. Then came the morning! Shadows vanished before the sun; Death had lost and life had won, For morning had come. " Life is precious, indeed. I'm so thankful for all the many blessings that surround me. The trials I face teach me to appreciate those fragile moments even more. Congratulations on receiving Poem of the Day. Hugs, Brandy
Kavanagh  Avatar
January 24, 2026 at 12:04 PM
Heya Brandy, and thanks for stopping by with congrats, regardless of my existential pondering and questioning, I also enjoy and appreciate life, but mainly on a day by day basis, thanks for pointing to the line that reminded you of the lovely hymn, although purely serendipitous on my part; :) it’s strange when layering poems up, and writing on a universal scale that this often happens, (Let it be) cheers David
Nicole Avatar
January 24, 2026 at 10:06 AM
' Then Came the Morning. ' Yes, this hymn is about Jesus' resurrection. Such a beautiful song.
Pigeon Tart Avatar
January 24, 2026 at 9:23 AM
Yay! Congratulations! :)))) xomo
Kavanagh  Avatar
January 24, 2026 at 11:35 AM
A return visit from Super Mo, is always very welcome, cheers David
Gifford Avatar
January 24, 2026 at 9:22 AM
Hello David, congratulations on your poem being featured as POTD. Beautifully written and an excellent read. Have a wonderful weekend.
Kavanagh  Avatar
January 24, 2026 at 11:33 AM
Thank you for taking the time to read and comment Zyrool, always nice to hear a fellow poet enjoyed one’s work, have a great weekend too, cheers David
Etgen-Baker Avatar
January 24, 2026 at 9:00 AM
a profound and compelling read . I especially liked: the universe tells no lies, only portrays truth, albeit in an emergent sense Past to present tense, the future unravels; Congrats on your POTD designation!
Kavanagh  Avatar
January 24, 2026 at 11:29 AM
Heya Sara. Yes I kind of spelt it out in that piece you quoted, I’m so glad you found this a compelling and profound read, I’m delighted with the POTD, cheers David
Seeker Avatar
January 24, 2026 at 8:49 AM
Authentic. We have to drop mind to transcend it, that’s the catch. Silence whispers deep truths if we are still. Yet, as I said, your cry in the void is honest and so it is but a matter of time that answers will follow, if heart be pure and innocent. Warmest congratulations on POTD, David, God bless.
Kavanagh  Avatar
January 24, 2026 at 11:24 AM
Thanks Seeker, I appreciate your kind words and wisdom, But the catch is, I’m a thinker, and cannot drop the mind, this one is just me being honest to myself in the void, if answers follow all the better, cheers David
Anaya Avatar
January 24, 2026 at 8:38 AM
Congratulations David! Well deserved, I admire your freedom of expression. It gets me going. I shall follow you as always. Jin, welcome! Like your style -I Am Anaya
Kavanagh  Avatar
January 24, 2026 at 11:14 AM
Heya Anaya, yes indeed freedom of expression, although not to be mistaken for existential freedom, which I certainly don’t have :) thanks for the follow as always, cheers David
Ye Avatar
January 24, 2026 at 9:34 AM
Apologies :)
Anaya Avatar
January 24, 2026 at 9:17 AM
Hi Jin! Thought it was David! ')
Ye Avatar
January 24, 2026 at 8:56 AM
Thank you Anaya - it's nice to get a warm welcome after yesterday's events. Thank you for dropping in a welcome here - I was pleased to spot it :)
Goldsmith Avatar
January 24, 2026 at 7:17 AM
Congratulations on your POTD win. I enjoyed reading your "Morning has broken" write. Have a blessed day/weekend with your wonderful win...............
Kavanagh  Avatar
January 24, 2026 at 8:09 AM
Thank you Paula, always a delight to see you stop by with uplifting comments, hope you are keeping well, cheers David
Kitchin Avatar
January 24, 2026 at 4:39 AM
David, a captivating poem, well done. Congratulations on POTD.
Kavanagh  Avatar
January 24, 2026 at 5:34 AM
Good to see you Tania, hopefully a little food for thought can be found in there somewhere, thanks so much, cheers David
Rodgers Avatar
January 24, 2026 at 4:39 AM
Hello David, Congrat on POTD! I feel like I just read/reading the best of Camus where he wants us to wake up, fluff our pillows, and keep going anyway. Well sleep happened consciousness paused and you woke up or maybe you are like Poe, still a dream within a dream. Existential insomnia that is funny, bitter, tender, and deeply human. Congrats Again David, Daniel
Kavanagh  Avatar
January 24, 2026 at 5:42 AM
You certainly do a great comment Daniel, I really don’t know where this stuff comes from, other than the universe wills me on, not always the best material to ponder when trying to sleep, (existential insomnia) is assured lol! Deeply human it is in all its inglorious glory, :) cheers David
Jones Avatar
January 24, 2026 at 4:35 AM
Congratulations on your engaging potd win David!
Kavanagh  Avatar
January 24, 2026 at 5:27 AM
Thank you Karen, I do try to keep the reader engaged, and so glad you stopped by with congrats, cheers David
Lane Avatar
January 24, 2026 at 3:28 AM
Like Jin, I’ve returned to smile at your poem having been chosen as potd… and to read the comments once again. They remind me of the good, the bad and the ugly.
Lane Avatar
January 24, 2026 at 6:19 AM
That algorithm explanation lays a rotten egg with me. Some roosters like to cockadoodle do just to hear themselves squawk, and shake their tail feathers to get noticed.
Kavanagh  Avatar
January 24, 2026 at 5:22 AM
Heya Lin, thanks so much for the return visit, those comments seem to be a game of (good cop bad cop) but always with ugliness throughout :), I’m delighted with this piece receiving POTD honours, maybe the algorithm enjoyed nature’s ready-made chicken and egg omelette lol! Cheers David
Ye Avatar
January 24, 2026 at 1:09 AM
I'm returning with congratulations on a well deserved POTD :) a many layered read with real depth, humanity and intelligence. You are excellent at your craft and quite unique in style.
Ye Avatar
January 24, 2026 at 8:54 AM
I never knew I felt so strongly about my right to like fortune cookies lol
Kavanagh  Avatar
January 24, 2026 at 4:44 AM
Ah my new found friend on PS, thank you so much for that almighty (kick in the nuts) you delivered when defending yourself below, it’s the only way to deal with such obnoxious grandstanding, I’m delighted with the POTD honour, yes much lies below the surface, as Lin said I don’t spell out my intentions when writing, but in this case I’m following the lead of the universe in its emergent sense, cheers David
Edmonds  Avatar
January 24, 2026 at 12:50 AM
A mighty fine read David, congratulations on having received the honour of poem of the day… Beryl
Kavanagh  Avatar
January 24, 2026 at 4:32 AM
An honour never taken lightly Beryl :), no doubt strange going-ons creeped into this piece, as indeed they do with life in general, it was great to get some of my deepest thoughts into this one, so glad you got a mighty fine read from it, thanks so much for stopping by today, cheers David
Cunningham Avatar
January 24, 2026 at 12:34 AM
Enjoyed this one David, congratulations on a well deserved potd, hope you're keeping well. Tom
Kavanagh  Avatar
January 24, 2026 at 4:26 AM
I’m getting back to myself Tom, and physically fine, hope you are doing well too, so glad you enjoyed this existential piece, and thank you kindly for braking the unexpected POTD good news this winter’s morning, cheers David
Pigeon Tart Avatar
January 23, 2026 at 5:16 PM
I love this. Every little and big bit about it. xomo
Kavanagh  Avatar
January 24, 2026 at 4:22 AM
Well if it can impress the great Pigeon Tart, aka (Super Mo) then my work is well and truly done, cheers David
Lane Avatar
January 23, 2026 at 3:54 PM
I'm not at all sure what I liked best about this particular poem and its ensuing comments. Ah, let me put it in my order of perspective... 1. David, you never spell out what your intentions are in writing your lines (it's a talent few have) and since you're one of the people I admire most on the site, you take precedence. 2. Jin-Ju-Ye has captured my attention and my admiration for 'getting you' and for not catering to the words of one who persists in unwanted comments. 3.Ji's way of responding to the obvious. Kudos to both of you gentlemen!
Kavanagh  Avatar
January 24, 2026 at 4:19 AM
Heya Lin, and thanks for stopping by with wise words about my poem and Jin’s comments, it’s not very often relatively new poets on the site see straight through the troll, and let him know in no uncertain terms, they won’t be be picked on; my poem is pure existential freedom of expression from my pov, of course it will resonate with many and not so much with others, such is life at the coal face, but to disparage my poem as (gobbledygook) without even explaining themselves, shows the limit of his intellect, again thank you kindly, cheers David
Ye Avatar
January 23, 2026 at 4:07 PM
Thanks Lin for your comment below (I'll reply here to preserve the obvious attempt to troll myself and the poet as the comment view seems capped). I mostly read on this site and have seen how this commenter postures publicly but trolls elsewhere. It's quite bizarre how my mention of fortune cookies meant someone felt they could make assumptions about my validity as a person. Shocking really.
Ye Avatar
January 23, 2026 at 11:44 AM
Wow - how rare to encounter such authentic poetry! This is a real eye opening gut punch but with intellect, humour and charm. Initially I can imagine myself opening existential dread fortune cookies and feeling the enormity then shrugging it off. The vulnerability and shock awakening comes in stanza three - it kind of mirrors reality where we talk the talk and then something life changing happens but we have to carry on anyway (but forever changed). I am being completely honest when I say it's a pleasure reading your poem. Expressing what it is to be human is what poetry is all about for me.
Kitchin Avatar
January 24, 2026 at 7:08 AM
Tom, it's rude to promote your own poetry on the POTD. Comments are to be supportive of the POTD poet, not your stuff.
Lane Avatar
January 23, 2026 at 3:57 PM
I've no knowledge of you, Jin, but you've my admiration if for nothing else than the way you've responded on David's poem. But I will get to know you through your poetry.
Kavanagh  Avatar
January 23, 2026 at 1:23 PM
He doesn’t really get the (but I don’t want to) part, it breaks his rhythm!
Ye Avatar
January 23, 2026 at 1:06 PM
But I don't want to, plus I'm once again inclined towards tea leaves, tarot, mediums etc but all sources of profound wisdom suggest I steer well clear. At least fortune cookies don't tail people touting their manmade theoretical predictions :)
Ye Avatar
January 23, 2026 at 12:49 PM
I did check out his poetry to try and return the favor of the character assessment but he seems to have posted an article from Readers Digest circa 1998 so I thought I'm better hanging around here instead ;)
Kavanagh  Avatar
January 23, 2026 at 12:42 PM
Unfortunately Mr woody doesn’t like existential imagining, in fact he doesn’t really like people thinking for themselves, but it’s probably more likely he doesn’t like me receiving reverential comments especially when I do very little around this place :)
Ye Avatar
January 23, 2026 at 12:13 PM
Then what does me imagining myself reading them tell you Mr Woody? Isn't psychoanalysing someone in this manner akin to you being an existential fortune cookie?!
Kavanagh  Avatar
January 23, 2026 at 12:09 PM
First of all Jin I’ll say a big thank you, for seeing me as being human, sometimes people don’t get that part, the poem itself is authentic, as in how I personally view life where nothing is ever guaranteed, except what it throws up at us, for better or worse, of course there is humour to be found here, I’ll let others decide on intellect and charm lol! I’ve been away from PS for quite a bit, so am delighted to find a new reader (especially one who gets me) on my return, cheers David
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