Rumors

by Paul Ilechko

People are unclear which
of the rumors to believe
there are so many different
versions being bandied about
that it’s almost impossible
to know the truth
some folks are trying to take notes
but their pens fail to make marks
on the fresh white pages
I’m staying indoors for safety
I have my glass coffee table and fake
Persian rug that organizes
the space surrounding me
and I can nap whenever I choose
I hear that it’s cold outside
in the darkness of the night
so why not sleep until the light
bleeds through the transparency of the blinds
tomorrow might be warmer
but nobody is really sure
in these rapidly changing days
if it does get too hot perhaps
we can travel to the mountains
as long as the roads are open
you can drink wine while I read a book
and perhaps every hour
you can come over and check
make sure that I am still breathing.