I was just hitting 'confirm' on the utility site

I was just hitting 'confirm' on the utility site

when the kitchen went hollow.

A sharp ping like a fingernail

flicking a wine glass, then the smell—

sharp ozone, a tiny death in the wire.

I reached up, stupidly,

and the bulb was still holding its heat,

a round, stubborn ghost

blistering the pads of my thumb.