At this hour your eyes are sore
Your body asks for sleep;
the only sound from the window is
that of the wind
and an occasional sparrow awoken
by whatever awakens it and causes
panic the bird’s little heart racing faster than it does
You fall asleep at your table a pen between your fingers
and an unmarked book on which rests your head -
you are awakened
by whatever awakens a tired human being and causes
panic your heart racing faster than it does
The birds outside are silent now,
the only sound comes from your flipping pages
and the almost inaudible hum
of the table lamp you read by.
If you sleep you will wake;
you cannot stop.
Too much is still left to be
finished.
