sleep isn’t always a matter
of rest
or relief
or rejuvenation

i am safe in the dark
unbeatable beneath the blankets
without worry when
tendrils
of
sweet, silky nothingness
murmur over my lids

there is
something about the not knowing
that comes from dreams
it’s warm
and nice
and soft
and sometimes scary

but sleep
is what keeps me safe
even through the nightmares
and when i wake
it all seems so dull
so grinding
so rough and razored and rude

and the day is so long
and these sheets are so warm

please
let me sleep