I flip off my slippers

I flip off my slippers

With disdain

For my progression

When there once was a time

I would jump naked

Into bed,

We would.

You were always of the opinion

It was the best way to travel

Without moving.

The shadow in the corner

Stands guard

I am reminded of

The Orient Express

Where will I wake come morning

There is no way of knowing

As if there ever was.

Sometimes the shadow

Belongs to you

Never do you follow

Any more than I roll over

To your side,

In sleep, I might.

Although a pillow

Lying supine on the covers

Has ruled it out

In real-time.

The arms of Morpheus beckon

Until they turn to stone.

Cold comfort

When the weight of expectation

Is greater than the promise

Of freedom.

Sleep is not an escape

I always wake

In the same place

I have never seen a dog run

Backwards

But I have seen an

Elegant elephant dance

In the mud.

What power is love

When it is endless.

The stories I tell myself

When the flicker of a candle

Plays on my mind.

Through the gaps in my comprehension

I see glimpses of tomorrow

As it runs ahead

Tantalisingly close

But always out of reach

Over yonder, on the far side

Beyond the skyline.

A grand escapade

Somewhere other

And not quite here

No matter how much

I would wish it were otherwise.