MARYANN HAZEN-STEARNS
Companions

She watches night ride into the room
            on the back of her curtains
            It hangs about nonchalantly
            lolls along the footboard
            of her half empty bed
suggestively

Her toes poke up pink-nailed
            little tents
            under the sheet
            night darker on this side
            than the other
Does it matter?

No, no sleep in this night
            a night that hangs itself
            from the light cord which pulls
            its backbone straight
            with a snap
That's better

Where were we?
            No sleep

She watches dark grow
            darker            it comes like black
            blood             washes the walls
            in bold strokes
but no matter

She closes her eyes
            pouches puff
            half moons edge
            the curve of her cheek
            bones and she reminds herself
the walls are not wet

just dark
            curtains move thinly
            bed sheets rustle
she feels night fall gently
to its knees
            They pray