I cannot sleep but without color

silence thickening the room

the shades drawn so tight as to keep out light

the tiniest silver loud, disturbing

no hum

I cannot sleep

This morning, window open

the gray, a perfect shade too bright for sleep

but gentle on my wakeful eyes

cold air caressing my face and exposed limbs

the sounds of planes not reaching their destination

birds calling to nothing

dogs gathering their bearings

I can hear the earth moving

I sleep

I begged it once in the darkness

And it would not come

I begged it once not a sound but my tempered breathing

now…

nothing…

finally, gone.