The alcohol prep pad on the floor
(that I picked up then and
which has traveled back home with me)
The box of wound dressing blocking the middle of the TV screen
The throw pillow cover, empty the pillow
on the stained loveseat
The package of cotton balls separated
from the half eaten bag of marshmallows
by a haphazardly placed delivery box
A stack of folded men’s PJs
with its singular neatness
and missing box that would be labeled ‘donations’
Sitting instead on a car seat
just inside the front door
when the kids are 6 and 10
The hopscotch rug
under foot
The empty planter out front
accompanied by the one full with weeds
The picture of absence
is painted by what remains
The hopscotch rug
under foot
The empty planter out front
accompanied by the one full with weeds
The picture of absence
is painted by what remains