Footfalls in the Night

[ancientmai]

I can hear your footfalls
Gently on the bedroom floor
As you move toward the kitchen,
Perhaps to grab a glass of water
Or to sneak a late night snack,
While I lie in the darkness
Listening to your movements
On the other side of the house.
You think I am asleep,
But I never sleep...

I can hear your footfalls
Retreating from the kitchen
Back into the bedroom.
I feel your weight
As it pressed down
Into the other side of the mattress.
I pretend to sleep soundly,
But I can feel your eyes on me.
I can hear your whispered words,
“I love you.”
I suppress my smile
So as not to give away my secret:
That I never sleep,
That I can never sleep,
Unless you are beside me.

-Mai