Sleep – Page 12 – Iron Haiku

I close my eyes and
before sleep overtakes me
I pray for those I’ve killed
–
fireworks-
earplugs in
a darkened room

snoring quietly
your head still on my shoulder-
our show just over
–
dreams of snow-
waking to
tv static

asleep on a bench
the hard rap of a nightstick
startles him awake
–
dark rain-
wet newspaper
her only refuge

our fingers entwined-
the dusky blush of daybreak
mirrored in your face
–
the rising sun-
my finger traces
along your lips

going to bed late
dreading the dawn for who knows
what the day may bring
–
blowing snow-
the coarse growl
of a passing train

the bedroom door wide
work clothes strewn across the floor
you and I asleep
–
endless meetings-
your fingers brush mine
by the sandwich tray

your head on my chest-
falling asleep together
in the afterglow
–
a warm breeze-
tangled together
in the tall grass

almost a month now-
how can I still be finding
crumbs in our bed
–
fresh coffee-
your side of the bed
is still warm

the sharp metal screech
of the trolley’s brakes snaps me
from my reverie
–
silver moonlight-
a screech owl perched
outside my window

by her bedroom door
listening to my daughter
cry herself to sleep
–
leafless boughs-
no resistance to
the howling winds