Ruminations at 3AM

I think

that the little gnomes

that steal socks from the dryer

have gone on break.

I have matching socks

(that I never wear)

but the house feels just a bit too quiet

and I don't trust myself

in a house that's too quiet.

I think the toaster's going off

that the toilet's overflowing

that the rosebush outside needs pruning

but not until I find the sock gnomes.

They're probably drinking little drinks

with little straws with little umbrellas sticking out

finally combing the lint from their beards

as I'm putting out a search party

for the sound I've grown so accustomed to.

And even up until today,

when my house is a disaster

I can't stop searching

and all I want

is to be everywhere at once

but my fingers only stretch so far,

can only grip so much,

only touch 10 points within the 73"

of my wingspan.

And I think I've deadened the white noise

listening for my socks to go missing

while I walk around barefoot in neglect.