the cable box
times out
overnight the
humidifier runs
out of steam

when
the thermostat kicks in
at six-forty-five
the house
creaks and pops
as it slowly warms
up

his body lies
in bed
     still
     cooling

and heating the
cover pulled
back

even
anticipation fails

his word
processor
downstairs
still
holding his
unfinished
will
     unsigned
     unprinted
     unsaved

at last
the lights blink
off
in obedience
to their timers

the furnace finishes
its morning cycle with
a sigh

the only thing
that materializes is
the winter wind
outside

as his body
temperature
reaches
equilibrium
with the rest of
the world