More Poetry Outtakes

2 A.M.

A mouse gnaws inside the wall--
or the ghosts of old lovers
whisper from the corners.

Take your pick.

'Snuff out the candle,'
old demons hiss,
even though they don't exist.

Somewhere music is playing,
and you can't remember
what the question was.

This way lies
the slinking blankness,
the surrender.