a coffee can

the roof leaked onto the nightstand. the book of matches is soggy. it feels like wet cardboard. i scrape a red head across the flint. nothing happens. just a damp grey streak. i try another one. the paper stick bends in half. the landlord shut the heat off anyway. i leave the unlit cigarette between my lips. i pull a heavy wool coat over the bed. i watch the water drip into a coffee can.