My roomate and his girlfriend are wrapped up like rags on the couch
she's bra-straps and big boots
he's skinny and quiet
they're watching tv
insulated by the rain

I am out on the balcony
watching the water drip like diamonds in the lamp light
drinking and smoking in the cold

The tree branches buck in the wind like irritated animals
and the rains slants sideways across the covered patio

Stephanie calls and we lament the contradiction of modern living
the lack of privacy and forced voyeurism
of glassed in apartment buildings
facing off like eager boxers

Inside typing with stiff cold fingers
I can still hear the rain beyond my window

AcB 11.12.01