To keep the house from burning down

You had the good sense

not to sleep at night

to keep the house from burning down.

You.

The baby sister wailing

sleeping

playing

insane

The brother waiting

at the still small tree

in the front yard

where everyone had agreed to meet.

Instead, you made friends with a man

who was only a shadow.

A criminal who lived in the woods

and sat on the air conditioner outside

the bedroom window

to tell you about his day

to listen about yours.

He lived on the outside of the purple curtains

and you loved him like a woman

in your noon dreams with the house

burning down around you both.

delighted.

Mother in the kitchen with sandwiches.

This thing I have found

when you are sleepy and

drunk and still not wanting

of fireplaces and candles.