sometimes when i am home alone
and it's all quiet
even though the tv is droning
and outside the birds are singing

in that silence i sit down
leave it unbroken by words i could say
to lift from me a smile or distraction
that would mask your mark on me

i sit there and accept it
all

i pick up your old shirt
the one with minnie mouse on it
and i sit down on my floor
and i curl up and hold it

and i don't pretend
for a few moments
that anything
is okay.