no one here

we pass one another

in the hall. wordless.
her to her room,

me to mine.
it's early.

sleep was hard. waking
even harder.

I hear the water run
as she steps into the shower.

I get  dressed, make coffee.
I stand by

the window, before leaving.
the woods are
bare.

the grey arthritic limbs
of winter trees
fit the moment.

quietly I leave, there really
is no one

here.