Here is my somewhat belated contribution to the Poetry Rehab 101 Sleep prompt

http://maraeastern.com/2015/06/15/poetry-101-rehab-sleep/ It is a reworking of a 2003 poem, but the ending is completely different; hence the ‘second’ in the title.

Second Hymn to Sleep

 

Cover me, please, with your dark

multicolored wings – sleep – blessing

undisguised – next best thing

to never having been &

not as rotten as death.

In your arms

I am relieved of the pendulum of

the everyday

till alarm clock wakes abruptly up

& wish

I could go sleep again.

Your eyes, sleep, are the kindest

& the blindest I have ever seen.

The look of love gutters like a candle-flame;

yours is always

forgiving and lit.

Your sweetness

is a last refuge for the tried;

your imaginary hands and heart

caress away all cares;

prepare us for the day ahead,

ready us for death.