the fan’s hum moves to a frenzied pitch,
and the kettle chimes in with its chaos.
kitchen sounds butted up against the living
room. small apartment rules. you might know
them like you know a guest; or, maybe
like a family member, someone that stays
with you till the end. people pass down
apartments, you know. look at the listing
for that old brownstone, rent controlled.
who died? send flowers. you knew her,
it won’t be weird. then we could be there
for who knows how long. that’s family, baby.