Future

You exist

in early mornings

when I am too awake

to fall back into dreaming

a weight behind my eyes

an anxiety in my bones.

I cannot sit still

I cannot go back to sleep.

besafebesafebesafe
I would build an iron box around you
a place lined with lead
with strong locks through thick latches

and then sink you into the sea.

The night is young and hungry
I am starved for sleep.
We prowl together
slouching, careless.
The hunt is short
the game up.

So is the sun.

You exist in early mornings
teeth and claws and kissing
the back of my ears.
You gnaw over numbness
and scar the skin.
You are more hungry
than the night. More starved
than me. More scared.

I cannot make you safe.

I am sorry.