I don’t sleep alone

I don’t sleep alone

I don’t sleep alone,
I sleep with books and unfinished poems
and unanswered letters.

I tuck myself in
with unreturned kisses and salty tears
for warmth on my cheek.

I cover myself with blankets of wishes,
a pillow of memories cradles my head.

In my dreams you are here,
In my fears you are not.
And I hate the self-doubt that splinters my thoughts.

I don’t cry for me,
I cry for the wondering:
What are you thinking and feeling and why?

I don’t sleep alone,
I sleep with my choices;
I made this bed
and that’s where I lie.

I cover myself with blankets of wishes,
a pillow of memories cradles my head.

I don’t sleep alone,
I sleep with books and unfinished poems
and unanswered letters.

I don’t sleep alone.
I don’t sleep alone.
I don’t sleep alone….
(Brown / Ó Colmáin)