Close My Eyes

stained wounds received
in the vicious fog
by the pond
at the end of the street
where rats roam

quietly I sit
watching

it's ten to midnight
my mind still swimming
among the swarms of rodents

I'm tired
want to sleep
stumble towards my bed
but it's ruined
the fog made it soggy
look around
another box should be here
somewhere
see it down the alley
shake the rats out
oh much needed sleep
under the stars
I can't see through the fog

goodnight
and I close my eyes

Debbie Budnick