When You Are Away
by Jenny Sadre-Orafai


Strange noises from behind
shower curtains abound.

Neighborhood children rap on
the front door.

Noisy UPS trucks vroom to deliver
evil to the doorstep.

Candles decide they want no part
in this and sputter out.

Phones ring, only to be picked
up to piercing dial tones.

Shadows pulsate on dining room walls
as people return home from work.

And your obedient wife
in the bedroom,
waits for you to unlock the house
from these oddities.






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