" Afraid to Wake "
In my dream, you were sleeping.
I was afraid to wake you; I crept to the edge
of the bed to watch you breathe.
The rise and fall of the sheet was so peaceful,
so easy. Deceptively. Like the ocean,
going out, coming in. A motion, perpetual,
effortless. The heart can think
of no devotion greater. Or lesser.
I eased my body onto the mattress gently,
quietly. You sighed as I laid down
beside you and held my breath. I curled
into your curve without pressing
against you; flesh never touched flesh.
Contented to count the waves, the endless
breakings, I resisted the urge
to wake you. In my dream, I let you sleep.
© 2004 Laurel K. Dodge
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