The Shape of Solitude

The house quieted in shocked silence after the storm
No frantic rushing from the back door to the front
Tracking in bits of gravel and swears
Impatience and anger
Leaving one or the other or both open
No shouting where are my keys GD it
Where are my pants
Where is my shirt
Where is my wallet
Where is my phone
Where is the coffee
Where is the milk
Where is the bread
More swearing when the dog stepped in front to say goodbye
Gate left swinging crazily on its hinges,
Opening and closing with the bang of a pistol
A pair of dirty underwear lying at the front door

Eventually osmosis moved the reverberation outside through the wall
The body shaped black hole’s electrical storm’s memory
Fell to hugging everything in peaceful communion and collapsed

Erasing the void

Deep breaths moved in its wake
Uncertain smiles erased
A slow music began with

Carrots for breakfast, or lunch or dinner
Or strawberry milkshakes
No why didn't you's
No why don't you's
Dishes gradually cleaned and put away
The swept floor
Books released from their dust
Cupboards closed
Spills wiped
Trash removed from all the surfaces
Room shape gradually emerging from
A cyclone of dirt and debris flung off in all directions

Tornado alley restoration