Alarm Poem by Kimiko Hahn

Before doctors learn how it is that the brain's lights turn on, they may have to know a lot more about what's happening when the lights are off.
—Benedict Carey


In her dark she surveys empty: the vanity
from the in-law's Bronx apartment,

the brooch from a lover,
loafers by a coat tree, trench coat,

the husband's profile, an alarm

for news and forecast. Here
she appraises fidelity
before the light violates.