A Blues

What horror to awake at night

and in the dimness see the light.

..................Time is white

..................mosquitoes bite

I’ve spent my life on nothing.

The thought that stings. How are you, Nothing,

sitting around with Something’s wife.

..................Buzz and burn

..................is all I learn

I’ve spent my life on nothing.

I’m pillowed and padded, pale and puffing

lifting household stuffing—

..................carpets, dishes

..................benches, fishes

I’ve spent my life on nothing.

- Lorine Niedecker