Sleepfaring

I wake-
sheened by dream seas
and trembling.
You shift beside me,
still sailing
sleep’s swashing
crests.

I stumble
from our bed
and make for
the mainland.

It’s one a.m.,
and everything
in our flat
is cast
silver as
the moon sheds
wax slivers in
scarcely witnessed
darkness.

I stand
unsteady beside
the fireplace,
watching its flat
electric flames
dance
while I regain my
worldly balance.

It’s quiet-
every soul has
long since departed
on their nightly
maritime
voyage.

So for five
silver hours,
I am stranded,
waiting for the dawn
to beckon them home-

when the sun,
like lighthouse glow will
guide their minds
from buoyant dreams
to grounding ports.