~ / art / late

I woke up late and found myself alone
the house an echo of the others who
had only recently been there, I think.
I wasn’t sure what time it was, or if

we’d talked before they left, or what
they might be doing out of doors.
The quiet house invited nothing more
than sleep, or padding in and out of rooms.

Even the sun seemed like a lurking guest
who peers around the doorways, down the halls,
and never gets the hint to leave. I rolled
over, away from it. I shut my eyes.

I couldn’t sleep then, am not sleeping now.
I need you home so I can finally breathe.