I will choose to do so ten times out of ten
because in this life
there are some things more important than sleep
and this,
this is all of them.

At first you don't sleep well, if you do at all. Then you acclimate, and even become profoundly fond of the whole thing....and then one day they're not there and you don't sleep well, if you do at all.

I'll admit to the twinge of envy as you settle your arms around me and your breathing begins to change nearly instantly. If I am still for the next few minutes--no kisses, no questions, no giggles, you will be asleep and I will be awake, intertwined with you. I try to imitate you, imitate a sleeping person for long enough sometimes the body is fooled into becoming one too. But sometimes this trick does not work. Still, I'd rather be here than anywhere else.

I continute to pantomime sleep so as not to disturb--feel the rise and fall of steady, strong breath, feel your heart beat. Often your muscles will twitch ever so slightly, your hands move over my body as you dream. Your arms are locked around me, if I wanted to move it would be difficult to...but I don't want to. Our bodies locked together like two puzzle pieces. From this vantage I can see your face peaceful in sleep, feel the breaths soft against my forehead. I can kiss you, and you will anticipate this unconsciously and will return my kiss.

I'd rather be here than anywhere else.