A face in the window
listening to the high pitch of crickets,
low tones of frogs.
Fireflies blink and I think
I should sleep
but Venus has risen
and the silence of navy skies calls.
I hear your deep cough
know you have
put pillow to mouth.
I check forehead
bring cool cloths and water.
You kiss my hand
tell me you are fine, tell me
go back to the night.
I stay
awake, alone
listening.
Hours later
delight at the open window:
robins’ morning song.
You arise, sit next to me
try to stop shivering
as we remember winter
when this window was ice-locked.
Listen,
you whisper between coughs,
It’s lovely.
We wait together
to start our day,
tiptoe breathing.
Laura Lee is a Chicago area poet, college student mentor and instructor, literacy tutor, and writer. Her poetry, fiction, and nonfiction have been published in print and online journals in the US, the UK, New Zealand, Greece, and India. Literacy in all its forms is her passion. For a complete list of publications, visit her website at: http://lauraleewriterpoeteducator.com. Follow Laura Lee on Twitter @LauraLe97942016.
Appears In
Cagibi Issue 6
