What if I never

sleep again?

What if a fever

grips my brain?

Shouldn’t I hasten

to use the time?

Shouldn’t I listen

for one more chime?

No.

Remember duty

waits the day.

Remember beauty

wastes away.

Reverse is beyond

man’s restless powers.

Remorse is behind

man’s worthless hours.

Not now.

Across far nations

deeds are done.

Acoustic oceans

drink hot sun.

Networks are humming

to bring bleak news.

Artworks are coming

to think things through.

I don’t know.

Isn’t that moving

windy trees?

Isn’t that blowing

limbs and leaves?

Sound only passes

night darkened screens.

Mind only pauses

to mark night scenes.

How do I know?

Dove’s call enlarges

the world near dawn.

Dozens of pages

are hurled on the lawn.

Soft light shines through

hard window pane.

Down on couch cushions

I lay my brain.

Now my mind can rest.