At Closing Time

At closing time, Management found a moth on the desk lamp.

We opened the window. It stayed where it was.

We switched off the lamp and stood at the window with a torch.

The moth landed on our tie.

We backed into the courtyard. It came with us.

We shook the tie. It walked underneath.

We unknotted it. The moth crossed onto our cuff.

For a while we stood with one hand through the other sleeve, looking for the exit.

The caretaker called from the door.

“Shall I lock up?”

“In a moment.”

We took off the jacket. The moth stayed under its collar.

We hung the jacket from a branch and straightened the shoulders.

Then we went home in our shirt.