2:06 AM
you are only as good as your dreams are.
and i, i will steal away your dreaming--
as thieves are silent, so will i be soft.
you will pace, in the darkness, in the night;
you will drink in the calm, orange morning sun.
the theft of your youth will go unnoticed.

4:57 PM
your collar is not starched, your tie is loose.
the stapler is empty, and you are tired.
she hands you the package, brushes your hand,
leans in to tell you something trivial.
her heels click away, a monotony
of sweet smell, soft skin, and withered daydreams.

11:13 AM
and when you are exhumed, what will you be?
old coffee dregs, porcelain, yellow stains
on the teeth that they will date with carbon.
they'll shake their heads at your poor dental health.
you dig colgate out of your bottom drawer,
brush in the office kitchen-- just in case.

6:48 AM
i call you, up, up, out of the warm darkness.
you drugged yourself last night to fall asleep.
you're regretting it now, searching for cups,
orange juice, toast eaten standing over the sink,
vitamins caffeine fish oil decongestant pop pop pop.
the car is out of gas, will you have time?

7:23 PM
feet up, tv on, mouth and belly full,
the blinds are closed against the light and noise.
fill your lungs with tar, to turn off your brain.
conflict, laugh track, and a resolution.
your cup and your wife's womb are empty,
waiting, stagnant, like your hands and your heart.