The house was empty all day
save one large cat who roamed or slept
& within minutes changed everything
with Moffo's Vocalise
& the fireflies dancing into the faint drizzle
defiant against urban gray horizon
& the son who asked for an I Love NY T-shirt,
pink if you please,
& the tea on the kettle
reminds, this is your house,
your beloved house you said hundreds of times,
& the Society of Loyal Husbands
gathered choir-like on the porch
but could never love you like a house
strange noises where once you soaked in
the delicious smell of your baby's skin
are shared perfume & lipstick on the dresser
shared bookmarks instead of five little toothbrushes
& the future disturbances
our absence will entail
I love NY, your NY, one house at a time