the alarm clock goes off

somehow

the alarm goes off.

i haven't set it,

or touched it since

1985

when i worked in an office,

but it goes

off just the same.

seven fifteen.

i get up and find an old

suit in

the closet.

a white shirt,

a blue tie

with happy hour

guacamole dip on it

from Chi Chi's.

i dust off my Tom Mcann

brown shoes

and slip

into them.

i find my old briefcase

in the attic

and climb

back down.

i check my watch

and make a cup of Folgers

Instant Coffee,

then rush

off to the bus stop.

i can't be late again.