On top of the bookcase—

home to favorite books,

found objects, memories—

a giant black rectangle

hulking and glaring

at our plants and pictures.

 

A buffet of strangers

marching into the living room

spewing opinions

laughing at stupid jokes

alarming us with bad news

selling empty fulfillment.

 

Perhaps police will investigate

this domestic disturbance

perhaps Pest Control

has a television division

perhaps I should stop resisting—

offer this stranger a cup of tea.