as you lay

soundly asleep,

you inspire me.

I want to draw

every sleepy smile.

sketch the way

you spread out

on your stomach,

the curve of your shoulder blades.

your serenity

gives me peace

and you draw me in.

I can't help but kiss

the curve of your arm

and the slope of your neck,

your barely stubbly cheek

and that shoulder blade

nearest to me.

I can't help

the way you make me feel,

even when you're

sweetly, fast asleep

beside me.

"Sleeping Muse"

2013

Devin Liotta