It is warm here, and quiet. I cannot stand another morning, or afternoon, as it is, Plugging my ears to ignore the cats, Preening and angry with me. I should not have got the cheap food, But it was only $1.50 for a bag of Cat Chow The same size that cost $4.79. I do not have that much money. Even if I went to the store To bounce a check for cat food, cigarettes, Bread, toilet paper & bologna, I could get in an accident. Someone could ram me off of the Locust St. Bridge, Or rear-end me on Oakland Ave. I could run into an old friend at the grocery store, Embarrassed by the selection in my basket, While they have a cart overflowing With fresh fish, flowers, and Haagen-Dazs. They will silently note I have gained weight. I will audibly note they look great. And then when I get home the house would still be a mess, The dishes gurgling in cold greasy soap water I filled the sink with last night, Aspiring towards the 30 minutes It would take to wash, rinse, Dry & put away the mess. I would have let the silverware soak. I will stay in bed today, Because I am tired, Because the dream I was having reminded me of Christmas, Because my life is in this bed, the crumbs and the dreams.