Softly you sleep
as I
unable to
keep tender vigil...

my waking dream
made flesh
sleeps
safe beneath
my thankful gaze.

Those eyes
see not mine own
tracing her lips
and chin
her perfect poise
framed
by gilded hair...

I brush back from
blushing cheeks
the waywardness
strands
and smile...

she knows not
I cannot sleep
for fear
I will awake.