Photo by Jp Valery
He creeps into my bed,
envelops me,
erases my worries,
and together
we dream.
But on those nights
when he doesn’t show,
and I know he’s out
sleeping with others,
I wait and watch and
add him to my worries.
He ruins my nights,
disturbs my days,
and he never listens.
My counselor says,
You’re stuck with him.
Calm him with chamomile,
soothe him with love talk.
That night he watches
as I brew his tea,
bathe, dab lavender,
turn on Brahms,
and get into bed early,
hoping he’s pleased,
hoping he stays the night.
—From Biting the Apple (Penciiled In, 2012)