The Way It Is
Just one sleepless night with love...
Up, unwilling, Out of sleep’s sensuous pit, Again, the cry, thin, tentative, Third, this night? Fourth? Wifely form slumbers on. Up, cold night air slaps bare chest Stagger on bed-weary legs One hand to pat infant back Other gropes around squalling baby-face, Sleep-warm, smooth skin, sticky maw of mouth. Hard, wet gums close on fingers Sucking madly, Soother replaced, cries subside. Peace, as back in bed. Mound of fond mo...