i keep the night light on
the switch frozen in time
breaking up my darkness
invading my hours of blackout
where i’d look up at the ceiling
and happily see nothing

i keep the night light on
waiting for the day you’ll come home
the hallway will be illuminated
to protect your pace
from stubbed limbs as you walk back

i keep the night light on
light splatters through the doorway
i display a slight smile
at memory of you entering the room

i keep the night light on
no longer craving to be engulfed in dusk
but to be smothered in your arms
as that was all i needed to sleep, anyway