You, Asleep

I have been ruminating on urgency lately, and feeling like I live with more of it than most. I don't know why I am impatient, why every moment sometimes seems like "the end of it all," but this poem (from a year or two ago) says something on the topic that I think I like.

You, Asleep

You, asleep
wrapped and turned to the wall
the fan the heat and the sounds of roommates –
Breakfast. Doors slam. Lost keys found.

You don’t move.

I watch the universe expand through blinds,

wedging itself into moments

and even when I go –

when I have to go –

I’m still fighting it –

you, asleep.

I want to shake you

I want to drag your clawing spirit from its bed –

Get up!

This is the only morning,

the last morning

the last chance

the end of it all

the stillness

the love.