i have nowhere else to go

i hear

and smell someone under

the bed.

i recognize

the whimpering and the

lavender

perfume.

i see familiar

luggage

in the hallway.

quietly, i say to her,

please, go home.

why are

you under my bed?

she says,

sobbing, i miss you.

i promise i'll behave.

i'll be good

from now on.

i have nowhere else to go.

they've all figured out

who i truly am.

just let me lie here

under the bed for a few

days,

okay?

i'll eat crackers and drink

water,

i'll pay half the rent.

just give me one more,

just one more

chance.