with my eyes closed. When I trip
over your clothes on the floor
I will lay there as though that is where

I will sleep. I will talk to the couch cushions
as though they are you. I will drive you
to work every morning even though you are not

in the car. I will call random numbers
and ask strangers how their days were.
I will still make too much

food for dinner. I will still try to fall asleep
on my back. When anyone asks
how you are, what you’re doing,

where you’ve been for the past few weeks,

I will lie.

 

neil hilborn