restlessness seeping through the pores of darkness.
solitude, i asked for solitude. and now that it's here, it fills me with grief.
perhaps what we get are not quite what we want
or need.

the fridge starts humming.
i stand up and plug the lights in
they glow yellow and orange, warm and comforting.

i'd left my shirt and bra hanging off the couch.
this place needs more care, more presence
when you leave, i will return
when you leave, life will resume its rhythm.
a beat or two behind, but i'll make do

when you leave...
when you leave...

"when you leave..."

everything happens after that clause
or perhaps everything will tumble apart.