Night fell like a dry leaf—almost soundlessly.

I missed the cold murmur while I listened

to water spilling over glass, the plate

shattering in the sink, the shards of clay,

and when I looked up and noticed a silver pendant

swinging around the sky’s dark throat

I was surprised to see that she had changed

out of her day dress into draping silk

nothing, that she was now waiting

at the door posed as if in thought, watching

to see if the earth would notice

that she’d put on earrings, her diamond bracelet.

Oh, Earth. Won’t you turn your big blue head?

Quick, before she leaves—ask her what she said.