sleepover

I know that morning’s coming soon
it’s just this night won’t quiet down
extending stead of ending day
not resting til I hide these rhymes

another temporary room
another match the only sound
flashflaring ‘fore it fades away
exposing best forgotten crimes

two eyes one look our short so long
that like this day won’t fade away
and stares me down through smoke and ashes

while night and I just soldier on
both knowing neither one can stay
but bearing witness while it passes

1974