sleep study

[darklyspun]

"that's okay, baby" you say, real slow
your eyes closed and smiling in the half-dark
i watch your lips move over the endearment
it is a secret about the condition of your heart
and i know enough to let it float up and away
i smile to see it drift gently past me
we are not nothing
but i can't define this and thank goodness
for a little while longer at least
neither of us really needs to
it's getting complicated to dance around
but when we're together it's easy
mostly it's the only place
i feel safe when i sleep
i wish i could keep just that
and consent for you to be free as i have been
with others, lovers and companions
but too many caveats wait
to trip us up
so in your arms i'm yours
and my mind does not wander
your tipsy mouth will kiss me
without restraint
and call me baby
and in the morning you'll refuse
my very best advances
but we will smile and smile
and leave bruised
and love no less