-- days pass

lights forcing the things I love into hiding

the sun is my enemy

I sleep through hours

when the world at large awakes

dreaming of heat

warmth and safety

danger and strong wind

spider bites

lost dog, answers to no one

I should regret the wasted hours

or feel shame for hiding

each time I tried to wake

the world was bright and dead

until now when a new morning

is not yet fully born

still mewling, damp

dawn fog as afterbirth

renewing vows of love

fragments of sleep's images

sound of bells, birdsong

there is no guilt

only mild confusion

a trace of relief

unspoken prayer that this day too

will pass --