The movie is over.
The dog has been put out
and the cats are curled away together
in some dark nook of the house.
I have put out the lights
deliberately, one by one
in all the rooms.
Becoming a little darker as I go.
The appliances thunder away in the night,
cheaply and cheerfully.
Somewhere a toilet trickles full.
Somewhere a water tank is still awake,
I am sure.
My bedroom is cold and quiet.
I sit awake after the
well ordered evening time
listening to the sure, steady beat
of my own heart,
in my own chest,
without you.
Agitation of hands. Strength of words. 