A Twin-Sized Mattress

sleep, for you’re tired.

there is grace beneath the sheets,

forgiveness when pillows catch your head.

lay down where you are safe and warm

with soft blankets holding you.

stillness. peace. security.

war cannot hurt you here.

love cannot touch you here.

in all this comfort, you are alone.

darkness crowds around.

light a candle. breathe the flame.

watch the shadows dance on the ceiling.

dullness behind your eyes.

no dreams. no nothing.

run your tongue over your teeth,

feel the fragments in your gums.

“hell is other people”

but purgatory is the space between

sleep and wake.

everything can happen, but nothing does.

can sleep be a friend,

or must it always cause pain?

logic versus emotion, no winner.

your brain beats against your skull

begging for

something

else.