Lights turned off
except the softly glowing
porch light over the front door

Neighbors houses are dark
those that are home
and those that are rarely home

The streetlights are on
the ones that still work
are far away from the house

A rabbit rustles in the garden
I’m too tired to shoo it away
so very very tired

Some dogs bark in agitation
but they are distant
and past the point of annoyance

My own dogs lift their heads
listen intently and with a silent cue
lower their heads as one back to sleep

The dishwasher hums quietly
in the background as the kitchen
was put to sleep hours ago

One half of the works is asleep
my dogs and kitchen sleep
my neighbor rests in sweet slumber

I lay awake hour upon hour
waiting for the magic of repose
that never comes – to me