Valetudinarian

studies lists of things to do

bobbing in a sea of ointments,

unguents;

listens to the radio

hissing at the friendly world of

pipe smoke voices;

watches as the candle burns

bearing gouts of molten wax

splashing light;

dreads the plopping sound of mail

heralding a fresh encroachment

from the other side.

Sleeping soundly unobserved,

perfectly misunderstood

satisfied in misery.

Genuinely private soul:

valetudinarian and proudly so.