Sleep Routines

 

 

Beneath the white flannel I face

you facing red light, reflecting 

on the ceiling like water, triangle dips and swirls. Legs that once

stretched to meet my thigh, now splayed 

outgrowing the cocoon, my body 

your cradle. Holding that red dragon 

watch it fly in chubby hands, cheek surrenders

against forehead, arm 

now around my neck and pat pat pat with fingers only

feigning sleep with a sssssss-exhale. Pretend until it happens. Eyelashes 

bow and rise, surviving 

the wake, toes press until the cozy nestle melts

intentions of defiance, swallowing 

now those blurring red tones with black, red, black, still

and I know it's almost time for my escape 

those hues and softness beg my stay 

his perfect form, elongated baby.