cellphone chimes
vibrating and singing
a different tune
but every time the same
scream for attention
from someone
somewhere
not here
not important

left unanswered
waits for it to pass
settling in the room
his mere presence
sharpens every sound
rush of water
clack of keys
rustle of paper
whoosh of heat
all fading
into
him

together, alone
alone, together
lost noise
feels like
a gaping hole
pain allows focus
glaring blemishes
flaws that apparate
he pushes me
new levels
of perfection

midnight
feasts on my heart
hushed voices
gnaw at my chest
he is an
all-consuming spell
won't, can't
break
festers outward
pure lonliness
no sound
no
crickets

too


cold


too




late





exhaustion wraps around me
heaven
in heated blankets
turned on high
warmth seeps into bones
ice bathed in fire
thawing
melting
spilling from blanket folds
soaking the pillow covers
promising myself
I will not let him
take over
tomorrow