The stale smell of sleep

Floats

Through my nose

Up from the damp pillow.

 

My sticky face soaks it in

As it dries.

I curl my arms around

The old teddy bear

I’ve had for fifteen years.

 

He smells like sleep, too.

 

Outside my window

Clouds pass over stars,

Sipping their light

And mine.

 

Shivering,

The tears start again,

Crippling the wrinkles

In the pillowcase.