The Demons Stay Down For Now

The tuxedo jacket drapes over the kitchen chair
Echoing the same blackness the bedroom aches all night.
Quiet rules the house save the ringing only he hears which started 
After the wife moved out, the children moved on and the demons moved in.

He pretends they don’t lurk in empty rooms and suspend from ceilings.
But he knows what awaits. Sirens make themselves known.
Such darkness comes dressed in white tie and tails.   
It feels thick with a stale, cold mistress who

Delivers solace and speaks to him: 
"Not today!"  He knows 
Their meeting will come and
It will be glorious.

by Dawn Dupler

Email:  ddupler@charter.net