Commit to memory

the blue tint of the room

as the afternoon sun strained

through the blinds

 

the peculiar silence and calm

when the hallway light

was switched on

 

try and sleep now

shhh

there, there now

I'll be back in a little while

 

kicked-off covers

an old family quilt

smelling of mothballs and

dust from the upper shelf

of the closet

 

an entrance

 

mutual hellos

moderate apprehension

next, severe confusion

a dream?

 

try and be still

shhh

there, there now

she'll be back in a little while

what a good girl you are

 

an egress

so far away

within an arm's reach

from the bedpost

 

a sudden exit

 

stillness again in the blue-tinted room

but this time no tranquility