Ah sleep, fickle mistress
Luring me to your bed
Sinking me into your depths
You feed me bizarre dishes
Curry flavored chocolate
Lemony yams on a bed of anemic romaine
Steaming red wine mixed with tepid tea
Your arms wrap around me
Promising more, intimations of bliss
Soothing strokes across my brow
I nestle in.
Then as if launched from your boudoir
I find myself suddenly ejected wholesale from your lair
Out into the cold dark streets
Confused, I wonder where I am
I look for you
Catch a glimpse of your fleet footed form running away
You glance back to make sure I see you
I give chase hoping to reclaim you
Watch the gauzy muslin of your gown billow behind you
Tendrils of the fabric like a hand reaching for me
Only you are dissipating mist
You slip past corner after corner
I stumble, scrape knees and hands
Dejectedly rise to continue my pursuit
Times when I least expect it
I slide into your waters, trepidatiously at first.
Hours pass and then more
Finally, you nudge me gently
Smile upon me like a lover
Ease me back to awareness
With one sweet parting kiss
Surprise washes over me
You embraced me throughout the night!
Promises of future dalliances
Leave my palate with a taste for more
Oh sleep, would that you were a constant mistress
What flowers and gifts do you require
That I may keep your favor?
I will gladly give you them all….