Rhythm a.m.
The snake flick of the lighter’s tongue
its reflection in the window
firey eyes glint
Husband cups warm orange light
in the cradle of his hand and pipe
all the wrinkles of his wisdom
squint to suck a flame
He ahems some coughs
lights the pipe again
Dog raises head
Husband consults the clock
flicks another glint
rocks forward
says alrighty
time to walk the dog
He blows his nose
The dog skittles his nails
on the Tylenol groan of
foyer floor
The door slams like
the thump of a book
Bells rattle
Windows shake
Now it’s just my invisible
silent breath and the tick tick
of the clock’s swinging pendulum
They’re on their walk
and I am alone
waiting
– Lady 7.24.2021