Though it’s only 8PM
still too early to call it a night
with a load of laundry half done
and lunch still to make
he strips to T-shirt and under shorts
turns the light off
slips into bed
pulling the sheets above his shoulders

Only for an hour he tells himself
already drowsing
in this temporary womb’s welcome security
away from the workday’s madness
sure to continue with the next sunrise
he pulls a pillow down inside the covers
against his back
then another pressed to the contours
of chest and abdomen
allowing his body heat to complete the process

Talk radio plays low on the night stand beside him
the war in Iraq
Internet spam
and a possible pandemic discussed ad nauseum
seem small potatoes
compared to his own immediate woes

Though supper was a success
the bills are paid
garbage is ready at the front door
for tomorrow’s pickup
he contemplates the nights growing longer
and the steady approach of another winter
with no one to snuggle beside him





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Photo © June 2015 Jason Sorrenti

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06/06/2015

Posted on 06/06/2015
Copyright © 2025 Chris Sorrenti