Safe

The world is a beautiful place
She says out loud
Her voice makes my hands shake
I drink my coffee
Stare at the pale white walls
Try to imagine beauty
This place is home
Paintings hang on the wall
The familiar scent of days passed spills out when I open the door
Which is less and less frequently
Where would I go if I left
There would be no red bed
No midnight snacks
No you
I stumble on the stairs
Carry out the last of the cans
In a way it feels liberating
She claps her hands with glee as I wrap up the black bag
I will go out
Buy more food
Try to look around me
Alice will wait here
Stand guard
Waiting for me
And that is home
She makes it beautiful
I want to hold her but instead
Lock the door to keep her safely in.