I felt it catch the bus this morning.
It checked through the crossword,
Humming to itself.

I could feel its low heels clack, clack
On the sidewalk, turning down the
Smooth driveway.

It didn’t ring the bell—no, it only twisted
A key it had found long ago, and stepped
Inside, sighing.

The house was too bright with too many
Warm lamps and sun-lit windows. It
Pulled the blinds.

They unrolled sharply, wincing at the
Creeping darkness. But, ‘much better,’
It thought.

How long would it stay this time?
With bony hands, it scrawled
‘Indefinitely.’