i drift through the sidestreets
in hope of finding a new home.

i see the desk where he will greet me,
tell me i'm the prettiest of all
who have lost their prettiness.

& my key kisses the door & i
look up into my neighbour's house
& wonder whether they will ever
be bewitched by women, whether
they will sever ties with men.

i turn on all the lights.

i don't want to sleep.
i don't want to dream.