I have gasoline on my hands and I can’t find a toothbrush or a place to store my contact lenses.

Long Island at night does funny things to me.

Driving dark roads under orange glowing light. Hot tea and garlic knots. Parking lot at Tower Records. Windows open, heat blasting, stereo loud, seatbelt tight against my chest. 7-11 machine cappucinos. The trees lit up reaching to the sky in the bright lights over a dark road. The black, black, black of the beach at night. Stars. Exit 42N Northern State Parkway to Wantagh Parkway to Merrick Road. Meadowbrook Parkway exit M9E. Five green lights, right turn. Switching off the light at home, the air smells like pine needles. Stairs creaking as I ascend.