The head sinks
and disappears
between the shoulders.

The mind recedes into
a dark empty garage.

The hands freeze into fists
involuntarily and
legs threaten to abandon
the body.

The world becomes
all concrete and clowns.

Where is peace?
Where is your soul
but at home?

Just remember that
after you close and lock
the front door

shutter all the windows
pull down
the shades.

After you dim the lights
turn off the television
the radio and
close your eyes
upon the world
and yourself in it:

people
places
things

they never truly stop
bothering you.

Even when you’re alone.

Especially when you’re alone.

The door never fully
closes.

It all gets in
somehow
and stays there.

Lingering
across time and space

like dust in sunlight.