I
On the precipice of the bathroom sink
the battery sits on its charger
to replenish. 

II
For the first time all day
I exhale 
and am amazed my batteries
kept me going. 

III
Does a battery know the work it does
or the meaning?

IV
Each focus, each snap—
a little is drained.
Nearing depletion,
I decide not to withdraw from play
to change out the camera’s battery. 

V
The fire crackles as children slumber.
A battery knows
no such rest.