My poem, “Not Sleep,” was published in Cagibi, a Literary Space last summer. I didn’t realize, since I am rather new to publishing, that I could promote published works. So I am now.
I should try writing a happy or humorous poem, perhaps. I am a joyful person often, but write to help understand life and especially losses. So I don’t write that many happy poems. I do write humor fiction and nonfiction, however.
As to this poem, I wanted to honor and show respect for long term relationships. I hope I have done so here.
Thanks for reading!
Laura
NOT SLEEP
A face in the window
listening to the high pitch of crickets,
low tones of frogs.
Fireflies blink and I think
I should sleep
but Venus has risen
and the silence of navy skies calls.
I hear your deep cough
know you have
put pillow to mouth.
I check forehead
bring cool cloths and water.
You kiss my hand
tell me you are fine, tell me
go back to the night.
I stay
awake, alone
listening.
Hours later
delight at the open window:
robins’ morning song.
You arise, sit next to me
try to stop shivering
as we remember winter
when this window was ice-locked.
Listen,
you whisper between coughs,
It’s lovely.
We wait together
to start our day,
tiptoe breathing.
Laura Lee 