It's Friday,

but it feels like Sunday. The day is soft. There is no wind; the leaves are meditating. In my neighborhood people are napping or thinking of napping. Big white clouds with grey bellies sit in the sky. Even the dogs are quiet.

& you are gone, & I wonder--when you return, will you be different?

Quiet now,

quiet. the sun
is setting,
the shadows are getting long.

Quiet now,
quiet. the trees sway gently,
the breeze is soft & warm.

& in the next room
your son lies sleeping,
as he dreams of the simplest things--
quiet now,
quiet.