A First Floor History

You'll be free of it
When you go back home.

The static crunch of your lighter:
Flicker, flicker, flame.

Somewhere in there you were
A child who never slept.

Left, right, left, right
And a small, held breath.

I still can't afford to be afraid
Of the things that happen in the dark.

There is a wolf outside the ground floor
Window, and his breath is warm

Against the cold air.
I'll keep you out, I'll kill you if I must.

This is where you go, when you go.
You'll be free of it before long.

Keep the light on across the street,
Neighbor, keep it there for me.

I can sleep for a night
If I think the world is awake.