Now that the lights are out
warm and dark
the kids long gone
so is she
I’d rather sleep in the middle
between fetal
and spread eagle
not on my side
a back would be turned
there’s been enough of that.
Covered cold shoulders
pretended to be asleep
needed to work late
microwaved affection
pretended dinner.
Now that it’s all gone
I can hold closed eyes
hollar like church singing
find peace in what’s left.
I promise not to cut my feet.
