will
never fall asleep
with you beside me
your hot breath tickling my cheek
your arm a skinny speed bump
beneath the arch of my back
I stare at the cracks in the ceiling
willing myself to hold still
wanting instead to turn
back side stomach
side
the movement that lulls me to sleep
And then I'm walking the halls
my bare feet carry me silent across the carpet
tracing and retracing my steps
until I can feel the darkness of sleep again
my shoulder brushing the wall as I drift into dreams
Too soon I return
but so tired I could sleep anywhere
even in the confines of your long arms
When I wake, I find you gone
my body curved into a question mark
curled around the shadow of your warmth
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