Sleep – A Poem

Sep 7, 2020

The following is a poem I wrote many moons ago when babysitting two cute little cousins. They were very energetic boys and kept me active throughout the day. After I got them to bed, I relaxed on the couch and listened to the sounds of a quiet house.

Enjoy!

Sleep

Only a while ago

their fumes died.

Their tiny engines—

those keep-go engines.

The ones chasing

and yelling

changed their purrs

into idle putters.

Now, no squeak or hum.

No wide eyes.

Their fuel carries them no more.

Lights out.

Silence.

Relief.

My ears perk

to only black shadows

of nothing.

They sleep.

They drone,

operating the sound

of regeneration.

My heart sighs

“relief.”

Eyes droop.

Hand quivers.

My gas screams

“low.”

Exhaust fades

from my engine.

And I…