Terrycloth and Linoleum
forlorn, cozy
in a one-bedroom above the Coney bazaar
discreetly nameless among ghosts
here have I come
to putter among coffee cups and teaspoons
plenty of canned goods in the pantry
holding out in terrycloth bathrobe
even were I to answer the door
sequestered here
inconsequential and happily nameless
puttering in shtechshich
this life supplants others, quietly
coffee stirred, perfectly purposeless
G-d passes over this address
No need for blood on the lintel
nondescript in blue terrycloth
from toilet to kitchenette
traipsing, sitting, puttering
linoleum beneath my slippered feet, intact
Let me live unknown and untapped
no great works or tasks
no need for His ministrations or interventions
pulling down the shade
waning day has aged since morning