SLEEPY SOUNDS DON'T WAKEN THE OTHER
The ripple of clothes shaken out to get dressed
sounds like wind blowing in the chimney,
so that’s okay. Tiny creaks of toes and knees.
That huff in and out with a big draught of air.
Have to get something out of a wardrobe -
for God’s sake don’t drop a hanger.
Mattress springs when you sit on the edge.
Let nothing be louder than the ticking of the clock
and get out before the alarm rings.
Photo: Self-portrait with peonies last summer