exercise: write about a place you love

Safe
And comfortable despite
Cobwebs and dust
Footsteps weigh heavily overhead
Like thunder
And voices rattle walls
But--
I am here
Behind the grandfather's old
Deep red leather recliner
Beneath my soft secret basement blanket
Face pressed against the cold
Cement floor--
Safe

If he knew I was down here
He'd yell at me, but
What doesn't he yell at me for

I fantasize--
Generations of belongings
That might have been mine
Choosing favorites from books
I never read, photos
Of familiar strangers,
Scuffed-up diamond jewels

Safe--
Once the upstairs storm
That is most summer evenings
After Cocktails
Draws to a ceaseless close
I will remain
Dust covered and bruise free
Savoring this
Damp dank smell
Like hot chocolate oatmeal cookies

The dark is broad daylight
And I imagine
A friend I never had,
Here with me in this place
No one's ever truly seen