Sleep

Hunter

searching for respite
from the stalkers in the night
attacking my toes
–
morning dew
gossamer threads
catch the sunrise

kindness costs nothing
but a small smile, a warm heart,
and a bit of love
–
cold pavement
wrapped in the gift
of a warm blanket

barely enough room
in my zippered sleeping bag
for the two of us
–
white footprints
your hand
tightly in mine

an eclipse of moths
dancing around the asters
joyful for the fall
–
october dawn
sycamore seeds
drifting in the breeze

ripped from a deep sleep
waking up in tattered clothes
not sure where I am
–
full moon rising
my true form
no longer hidden

watching you watch me
through heavily lidded eyes
as sleep becomes you
–
brindle underbrush
a chipmunk rests
beneath the leaves

running on instinct
pure adrenaline, and a
case of diet coke
–
pewter moonlight
silver fish turn
in pools of mist

as night turns to day
the glow of the morning star
hidden by the dawn
–
last night’s coals
by my breath
flare to life

steering through the shoals
drawn in by the siren’s song
of my flannel sheets
–
coveting
the cool side
of her pillow

sleep so elusive
reliving memories in
my childhood bedroom
–
oppressive heat
clock watching
until sunrise