You are empty
cups of
bottom-stained
tea
and grounds
on the counter

***** bath water
and mildew
a
mint-stained sink

You are damp
linens
drying
dishes
cigarette butts
and resilience

How you are so quiet
when I know you are
so tired
I don't know

but let me hold your head
up while you
waste your day for me
while you draw
the complex
pattern
Arabic or Spanish
pattern
and you follow it
for me