I miss the plants there bathing in the afternoon sun.

I miss the array of sweets, the smell of the coffee, the classic rock

sweeping into the hallway.

I miss the hope, the possibility of a faculty wandering in

to share a story or ask for a coffee.

I miss the colleague’s laughter over the phone.

I miss the food trucks down on the road, looking out the window

to see what the menu is today.

I miss wandering down the often quiet hallways where faculty offices

share posters or warnings – or some good news.

I don’t mind my living room with the plants and the cupboard with treats.

The coffee here, or the view out over the pond.

But I do miss the shuffling of shoes, the crinkle of clothing, the change of light as someone enters the office and the smile I get to share.