/art/the door reads "exit only"

sometimes i love anyone
i want joy -
for the woman picking shampoo
for the weathered old man
sitting by the wall -
more than i have wanted
most things

light out on the road
will he understand
my news flash
(your headlight is out)

some days i am frightened
of every one of you
the footsteps in the morning
of people i love
become monstrous

light out on the way home
back to the old rules
(one at a time)

on the drive back
i live for a moment
in every house along the way

i wake up
behind every locked door -
sit barefoot at every table -
stare out of every window

before i go to sleep
i live so many lives
but something is wrong
with everyone

even the robot
that turns out my lights
understands “please”
but not “thank you”

if i wake up
and just keep driving
will i find a house
as full of love as i am?


tags: poetry