the dog chewed
at the edge of wooden floor
that had just not fitted,
splintering veneer off
creating sawdust,
it was a worry thing,
repeating what it’s mistress
did as she sat on the couch,
curled snug
chewing at nail stubs
and nibbling skin
she had not drawn blood yet
but would not be long,
things became too apparent
besides his absence
mortgage bill gone up
as had utilities,
and the corner store was not
cheap any more,
her purse light on change
a folded empty sack
devoid of sustenance,
one light on
as night gathered up the
stars and let them shine,
she could close a door on this
by getting up,
throwing of dressing gown,
adding make up to a blotchy face
highlighting the best she had,
drinking vodka from the small
bottle now in her purse,
closed the door
on the dog that watched with
tilted head as if knowing something
was going to happen,
loud music swelled over a street
recently cleared of winters snow,
damp and expectant,
voices loud,
beer spilled,
over excited conversations,
latching on to a group and joining in,
she began to loosen
talking her magic,
as the night traveled on,
depths of reality faltered,
as a hand moved under her skirt
gripping a buttock,
something smiled as well
as sneered inside,
tomorrow was settled then.
