Shower

The fan moves moisture out,
also the warmth.
Still the mirror, itself self-conscious,
again steams up.

The room is cold and uncomfortable
when I step out,
having already turned off the water:
not yet dry, I shiver.

I wrap up in a heavy towel,
dry off and dress,
at least enough to be warm,
then proceed to shave.

This will be the drill
until November arrives and the heat comes on
before, as by alarm,
we awake.

Life’s patterns are controlled by switches,
the OFFs and ONS
that furnish life’s amenities
our psyches need
to consider ourselves properly human.