Before I Wake
The pitter patter of little feet
echo down hallways and carpeted steps
small voices filled with helium
whine and squeak as little hands
pull and tug my pant bottoms
propelling me forward. My brother
greets me in the kitchen and apologizes
For their behavior. Their cheeks turn
into upward crescent moons
while latching onto my legs.
read us a story.
please. please. please.
the one about the prince
who came from a different planet
and left his rose behind.
In their excitement, they yank too hard
my body jerks and leans on the other side.
my eyelids have to be pried, peeled,
snapped open like pistachio shells.
Inklings Literary Magazine 