Go Quietly

I know you must wake
and go to work,
but do this for me:
go quietly as you can.

I am selfish and
I do not want to be
disturbed by your leaving.

Dress with the lights off,
underwear and blouse,
the black skirt you laid
on the dresser last night.

Your heels are beside
the door, your earrings
in the bowl with your
car keys. Go quietly.

I am selfish and
know I’ll wake up
and find you gone.

I would like to put
that off as long as
possible.