No presence here.
A stillness, when two people
share space. No children
romp, no dogs pant or shed.
Books stay stacked, dishes
washed, no messes or toys
clutter floors. You listen to quiet
that seeps under door jams.
Only a ticking measures
seconds gone by until another
hour reminds you to rise, move,
participate in the day. Yes,
you must participate in the day.