not me ((the) )

condensation and dim cloudscape
that snowcapped the roofs this morning;
body that woke
from the bedding; coffee that worked
like a mind; mouth
that cooperated.

I was on a bench.
I believe I woke up
on a bench.

sun that dried the streets by noon;
pedestrians that walked unperturbed,
or squinting like drunks across intersections,
or leading children along.

white the blinding
brightness, the watery
eyes, no one looked west.

habit that took
home or away from
home for smokes and beer
habit of companion piece
habit of controlled loss
habit of impenetrable self.

I believe
You and I were talking about it.

smoke that clouded
silence that spoke
object that lived
sunset that lit the room—