Quiet

Everything’s got the

Volume muted

Each breath is a grateful prayer

Deep in the pages of a book

I’ve been pursuing,

Chapters stolen like kisses,

I look good today

Even if it’s only me

Who appreciates the effort

Alone but not lonely,

Replenished in regal solitude,

There are irritations and

Challenges,

But I’ve lost the taste

For victimhood,

Here is where my soul resides

And if someone sees it

I hope they smile

And slip into the warm caramel

Of my attention

My company,

Another page,

Another cigarette,

Borrowed awhile