when you return at night

once you find

peace.

tranquility, the quiet of being

alone.

you don't go back.

you don't return

to the asylum.

you smile at the empty

house.

the clean

table.

the ordered shelf.

there is nothing hidden.

no secrets.

no lies. no argument

to be had.

it's the way you leave

it

when you return at night.

it's a joy once

again

to be alive.