not this, instead

deep into the book
I lose
track of time.

I move the blinds
and see
that the sun is gone.

cars have arrived.
the children are no longer
playing

in the school yard.
parents have brought
them all
inside.

I dog ear a corner
of the last page read.

I'll go back to it later,
after
a meal,

a walk,
some thought,

then bed. I thought things
would be

different this time.
not this,

instead.