After tossing by my side for a long while
Sleep left me alone tonight.
"I want to walk around the lake,"  It said,
Swiftly leaving my bed.

I understand why Sleep left me tonight.
It is a quiet time.  Quiet.  Dark.
When I open the window leading toward the lake
White, puffy clouds cover the stars---
I cannot see a soul.

But on the path going around the lake
I see Sleep in the distance walking away from me.
- - -

08/06/2015(c)Vilma Vitanza
Oakland, CA