every night
around 2:00
(am)
i experience something
that has become unwavering

whether i was happy
innocently clutching
to a warm, strong hand
or utterly terrified
running away
from a past regret

this something
or someone
tears me away
from those dreams
from the already hazy visions
that toy with me
my head
and my heart
as they please

i wrinkle my nose with displeasure
release a pressured sigh
and finally return to sleep
with a new perspective
on that warm, strong hand
or past regret
just from a moment
of sheer reality