Softly,

eyelids flicker a fluttering down

aching joints in gentle repose

grateful for levity found in 

tufted linen, fibrous cloud

cinched by baubled chord

 

       Assuming resplendently perfect form 

 

Ochre photons fall like snow 

to bathe her marble skin,

blushed by curious air 

traipsing thru a twilight slumber 

there to discover creeping visions  

from Hypnos’ hand like violet fire 

swirling round’ mind’s cavity

 

A rush—

cacophony swells to mock

the silence, sauntering in

to escape the cold as

chatter rapturously grows

and shadows pass to 

scrawl inky silhouettes 

on eyeball walls

 

Strange nostrils hovering

inhale aromas of oud and rose

and myrrh the ancient incense smoke

a spell the heat from skin arose—

the tinny choir scrapes to 

screaming apex a hundred fold 

yet still her focus does not shift 

whilst nestled in drifted lull

 

Alas,

Hermaphroditus’ dutiful sleep 

is stolen by familiar hand 

pressed firmly to ankle 

a signal bearing end, her eyes 

ablur to see a sober hush 

fall once again upon her wake