Week 4 of NaHaiWriMo 2023

22. EVENING

first open the doors

letting the cool air inside —

then shut out the dark

23. VESPERS

Vespers, no —

I pray informally

any old time.

24. BEDTIME

elderly cat

inspects to make sure

I’m tucked in safe

25. ELEVENTH HOUR

my 83 years

feel lovely, but I wonder —

should I write faster?

26. MIDNIGHT SNACK

just one bite

of dark chocolate

before bed

*

if I can’t sleep

toasted raisin bread

and hot cocoa

27.  DEAD OF NIGHT / WITCHING HOUR / 

WEE SMALL HOURS.

second wind

I stay up ’til three

in secret

I like being

the only one awake

in the quiet 

28. THE LAST HOUR

friends tell me

that unconvincing lie:

plenty of time

*

the last hour but

so many books still to read –

and to write