The mattress sits directly on the carpet

The mattress sits directly on the carpet.

My mother came to visit and asked

when I was getting proper furniture.

She said it like I was still in college,

like this was a phase I'd grow out of.

It's been three weeks since my roommate left.

I kept saying it was temporary,

that I'd buy a frame soon,

that this was just until I figured things out.

Now the dark fabric base is visible

at the edges where it doesn't quite fit.

The carpet underneath has a mark

from where the mattress has been sitting.

I could buy a frame.

I have the money.

But something about the simplicity of it

feels honest now.

The mattress and me,

nothing between us and the floor.

My mother said the house would look

better with a bed frame.

She meant: you would look better.

Your life would look better.

She's probably right.

But I'm getting used to this.

The way the mattress sinks a little

at the foot where I always lie.

The way it's close to the ground,

like I'm already half-asleep

before I even lie down.

My mother left two days ago.

She told me to call her

when I get a frame.

I told her I would.

I haven't called.