Sleeplessness keeps me unkempt
Every evening I lay, restless mind wandering--
Not slept

I am most organized when--
Forced to take my mind from you, make grocery lists—
Not slept

What raps? What rustles? What howls?
My child, laid next to me, fits and turns eyes wide
Not slept

Eight months have passed since last I’d
Felt your hand at mine, restless I search the bedside
Not slept

I watch the skunk in my yard
Slink between dim fences and ferns, paws wandering
Not slept

Is it him who toils in dark?
While my home attempts to sleep, to dream, but remains
Not slept

Or is it the Hindi star?
The angry night washing over me, keeping me
Not slept