clarence woke up

quick
without thought, without care. with one foot sliding down, with one hand moving up. hard wood floor, soft folding covers. smooth sheets, plump pillows. panels polished, quick, crisp, clean.

but one dustbunny hid. grey and matted, fuzzy and unassuming. in the far dark corner, under the bed.

if clarence had had time, if clarence could have seen it-- he would have cleaned it up, quickly without remorse. in one swift swoop, it would be safe within the waste basket and out of the dark.

but clarence woke up too quickly for that. he was letting his legs fall down and his arms slide up. his eyelids, lips, feet, fingerstips think for themselves. all members moving independently. operating on automation. animated mechanically. faucet, paste. soap, water, face. slippers, feet. cupboard, mug. kettle toast drink swallow. chew. eat. nothing tasted nothing wasted.



but one dustbunny hid shy and silent in the dark corner far under the bed.