When Others Sleep

Awake at night

The moon so much softer than the sun

Moving among shadows

A comfortable coat of silence

To keep me warm

Solitary amidst the houses and homes

The sleeping lives

Of my neighbors

Watching the landscape recede into

The surrounding forest

I walk for me alone

The Consolation of Rain

Lying half awake

The syncopated music

And the gentle caress of a

Cool, humid breeze

Playing through  gauzy curtains

Announce a grey sunrise

Drawn from sleep

I remember a younger self

In the freedom of a stormy spring morning

With thoughts of galoshes and rain coats

Puddle jumping

And leaf boats carefully crafted

For their courageous voyage

On the rivers of my street