one night stay

the cleaning
fluids try
to mask
the thousands
of travelers
that came before you,
but fail.
you can almost
see them
sitting on the edge
of the bed, like you,
taking off their
shoes, and socks,
removing their
pants.
opening a suitcase
on the chair.
the thin walls
let you in on the laughter
and coughing
that goes on next
door. a t.v. is on.
smoke comes through
the outlets
into your room.
it's a cell.
without a guard
or bars. it's hell
with a stale donut
and a cup of coffee
in the lobby
when morning comes.