Marathon day of school shopping –

not the least disturbing part the leather-topped dresses in the children’s department.

Felt like a refugee by the end of the day –

traipsing through stores and tiled expanses, public restrooms and dressing rooms.

Dinner on the run after an impromptu fashion show –

neon-streaked drive home punctuated by dark.

Squares of Miami Vice tiling across the TV screen upon our overdue arrival – 

reluctant kids late to bed without a story.

Trolling online accounts in the unearthly glow –

waiting, searching for something to reach out and fulfill me.

Crawling into bed without connection –

my love already asleep though I am not.