pillow stories by mel spady

​I let everyone sleep while I
pour over pillow stories,
wondering if
this is  penance
for greedy moments of slumber
taken in lieu of
coffees shared  between friends
 
tiptoeing around, foraging
for snacks and coffee  at 5AM
slowly crinkling a Cliff bar
out of its  plastic prison
I become  what I hate
ruining soft hours with
incessant but quiet  noise
who knew it only takes
six weeks to turn over
a lifetime of  public grievances;
no rest for the modestly
wicked  sure
changes people
 
odd hours  make you powerful
the master of all sleep
except your own,
crawling into crooks of arms
whispering “it’s time to get up”
like the little voice  deep down
beckoning me to jolt
awake  and prepare
the day  for the sun
to rise and strip me
of my squandered magic

---

​Mel Spady is a non-binary writer from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. They have a voracious love of food, and naps. You can find them at @melspady on twitter, and their work at raspberrymag.ca.