I Let Him Sleep

Published in Diverse Voices Quarterly (Spring 2013)

I sit on the edge of the bed
and let him sleep.

I came to wake him,
urge him into the world.

But he has flung his arm,
a man’s arm, like a child across my lap.

It is warm and heavy with sleep
and holds me to the bed.

I know I should jostle him and call his name,
but I let him sleep.