Arts for the 21st Century

Vita contemplativa et mors activa

A vice I welcome

when pillows invite

me down

to tired sheets

that sheathe

like second skin.

I breathe me

in

my fleece flannel world

warmth softens shards of

judging stares.

            I tremble

but comfort awaits

in bed that caresses

just enough

no space needed—

another unwanted.

Why the fuck would I

want to be

anywhere else?

Real terrors lie

beyond blankets

  hiding behind

dull eyes

and ice-block smiles

they show teeth that chew

the heart

which lived on my sleeve

once upon a time.

Lucid dreams feed

my tired soul

worked to death by

the hate faced

solely for being.

I want to be

Alive. A life

untouched by the outside

thrives

behind my eyes

closed

but open to the freedom

I create in repose.

Where else am I to be?

I live asleep.