My guest room tonight
has no windows
just a mirror behind shutters
kept closed
so I don’t have to see how fat I’ve become.

The dogs
black bitches both
who are not allowed on the bed
in which I’ll sleep
(though certainly
they should have more rights here than I)
scratch at the door
seeking entrance into my private
albeit temporary
residence.

The birds have gone quiet
in the dark
and the crickets
are trying to harmonize
with the drunken humans
who will not abandon the yard
though they left decorum behind hours ago.

I am alone
in this room
with no view
and am waiting
until everyone else has gone to sleep
to leave this space
and say goodbye.