Night’s curtain fades,
becomes a thin sheath
between dreamtime and wake.
It is our time together
when you press your back
into my belly.
Sleep lingers, muscles
twitch, your breath
heavy.
I wrap my arm around
your barrel chest
hold your heart
in my hand.
Thump thump.
Thump thump.
Torrents of twitches
convulse your limbs.
I imagine you running
in the other world
chasing balls
catching them mid-air.
Your breathing quickens
heartbeat steady
in my hand.
Thump thump.
Thump thump.
Again and again,
you teach me to rest.
To luxuriate amongst
the pillows and stretch
askance on the bed.
You teach me to focus.
Keep my eye on the ball.
You teach me to look
out the window
and enjoy what’s arriving
moment by moment
day by day.
