Late Night

Late at night

I can get the dishes done without interruption

And make sure the house is set till tomorrow

Sometimes I love the quiet and the soft solitude

Of moving singly from room to room

Puttering and placing and parsing the busy day into something that makes sense

Sometimes I feel that way

But not tonight

Only one child said goodnight, and my visiting brother, too

Everyone else just slipped away

and I was left with a vague feeling of unrest

And annoyance 

I clanged brusquely through the dishes

And complained madly in my head that no one had put the food away

But I didn't ask for help

I didn't realize I wanted it until I was all alone

And had time to think of the fact that

A particular challenge left me frustrated and isolated

And wishing for someone to talk to

Not peaceful and ready for bed

It didn't happen

No one  heard my mental cries for company

So I'll write about it and go to sleep 

And wake up to a new day