Keeping Watch

By Juanita Rey

At night, a silence 
not even traffic can break through.
Five days alone after two days company

Plates shine in the tray.
Same with utensils.
And cabinet doors.
I’ve had time to clean.
And clean again.

I haven’t the urge to read or write.
I could call a friend
but a voice is not what I need right now.

I drink coffee,
for something to do,
though it will keep me awake.

I stare out for miles.
There is no nearness.

Juanita Rey is a Dominican poet, US resident. Her work has been published in Mixed Mag, The Mantle, The Lincoln Review, Lion and Lilac amongst others.