The faucet on, the cupboards slam
I cannot even handle the daily noise
I want no noise

The appliances running, and I cannot
The house with unlocked doors, I cannot
Escape, keep people out

There is only one not of blood
Welcome
Only one, not near enough to call upon me

I call on him, I write to him, he is my keeper
To keep me safe, or notice me, missing
I am invisible to all but him, he is my keeper

The house is quiet, no footsteps to shake
Weak floors, no silent treatment that shatters
No dodging bullets, now

He has talked me down, Beloved Negotiator
He has slowed my pulse to match his heart's beat
We breath in, we breath out together

Beloved Negotiator, may I take your breath in me?
Will you kind eyes always watch me?
Beloved, negotiator, you have my life, Love