there is sweat sliding down the backs of my legs.
there is sweat residing on her sleepy self as well.
the blanket is tangled in knots,
my head is anxious and irritated,
her breath is slow and rhythmic.


the night bats her eyes,
laughs with security at the sight of my sleeplessness.
the night bats her eyes,
as i roll mine and reposition my legs.


lauren woke.
she woke in wonder.
lauren woke.
all perfect, skin all white.


i offered to sleep on the floor to cool our bodies.
she clung to me like a child.
i offered to sleep on the floor to cool our bodies.
she said, "please don't leave me."


a monster and a little girl curled up tight.
i said "goodnight".
a monster and a little girl curled up tight.
until the dark lost to light.