C.E. Chaffin

Before Work

Before going to work
the first thing I do
is grab my watch from the nightstand
and manacle my left wrist.
Then I grab some coffee, a muffin,
check the mirror for particles
between my teeth,
shower, shave, comb my hair
and hunt for respectable clothes:
a maroon tie, gray slacks,
maybe a navy blazer.
The last five minutes
I find ways to delay- a sip of coffee,
another cigarette, the sports page.
I look at the furniture, the television,
the view out my window,
and try to remember what home looks like
in case I never return.
Some people don't,
I've heard stories about it.
Someday I may wake up
with my watch on.