the nightstand tells all

it's easy

to determine what decade of life

one is in

by just taking

a look at their nightstand.

when young,

there's a book.

a clock,

perhaps a phone, but as years

go by

room is made for a glass

of water,

pills, and an extra light

for reading,

perhaps teeth are in jar,

there's the sleeping

mask,

the Ben-gay rub,

the ear plugs,

the heating pad plugged

into the wall.

a box of tissues,

of course and

a pair of glasses on a stack

of books

and magazines,

a crossword puzzle

and a pencil chewed

upon, and maybe

a half eaten

scone

from morning.

now waiting for dawn.