Snake

Each night when I lay down to another slumber of rest
I have twinges of worry cross my body,
like an electric blanket turned on too high.

I worry that I won't have enough money to survive,
To beat these rising oil prices.

I worry that I won't get the opportunity to make a difference,
or that I'm stuck and not growing.

I get caught right before I drift asleep thinking of past lovers,
Past embarrassing moments,
And I find both relief and sorrow
That I am encompassed by pillows and blankets alone.

I often worry if I'll always be alone because one lover's ghost still haunts me
When I'm awake and when I'm asleep.

My dreams are funny.
They come in colors,
They come with touch,
They come with animals biting and releasing me-
The spirit of the snake healing me.


written in April 2009