Descending

Descending

Written by Candice Phelan

We’re under house arrest Day 23 the cat and I Have come to an understanding

Not too long ago we were concerned about fires in Australia

Day 45 of me and my small space. Have you watched a plant grow? It doesn’t take as long as I thought.

I lay awake. How can I sleep when I’ve done nothing but eat?

Day 102 I stare at my phone. I haven’t received a text in days. How long has it been since I talked?

I hear doors open and close And people walk away I haven’t heard any come back again

Day 167 I fear I’m alone here. My cat ran away. My home has descended into silence

My plants are creeping across the floor at night I swear I see them reaching to knock things off tables.

Day 276 It has almost been a year My power was turned off I haven’t heard any news in days Were the rumors true? Is this a zombie apocalypse? I’m scared to leave my apartment.

Day 302 the plants knock Against the windows At all times in the day

I have no idea where the wind is coming from. Never do they go near the door.

Day 364 It has been a year The plants are my friends. They tell tales of the outside.

I never go near the windows. Those are the plants territory in the apartment.

They offered me the door, but I didn’t want to go near it, so I stay on the bed.

The plants wanted my bed, but the bed is mine. They have broken the contract.

I ate a friend today. They did not bleed. but they had a solid crunch

The door opened to my landlord, the face was the first I’d seen In months and months and months.

Illustration by Candice Phelan

by Candice Phelan