Do You Sleep?

Open your eyes and
Smile at me
Express surprise
Or be angry
Something, anything, I don’t mind
Be it thoughtful or unkind
I’ll value; I’ll never forget
I’ll treasure whatever I get
For last time, I paid little heed
And here you lie, thoughts buried deep.

Do you sleep?
What is it you feel?
Your countenance so set in steel
What I would give so just once more
You’d let me see through your heart’s door.

Won’t your lips play
My song of choice
I yearn today
To hear your voice
Say something, anything, I’ll listen
Smart or silly, I’ll drink it in
If I could, I’d quickly reset
Each time I’d wished you’d be quiet
Any sound from you I’d prefer
To the silence deafening my ear.

Do you sleep?
You lie so silent
Have you nothing more to comment?
Won’t you tell me, dear, not to cry?
Speak up, if just to say goodbye.

Put your hand to my face
And touch
Me in the ways
I miss so much
Something, anything, you can do
To let me know I’ll still have you
This last time, I will revel in
A caress, a prod, even a pinch
I’d gladly bear the searing pain
If it means you would move again

Do you sleep?
Must you lie so still?
We’ve yet so much more to fulfil
Together, just this one last time
Let me feel your warm hands in mine.

Won’t you share what you dream with me?
Do you hear me weep?
Tell me, do you sleep?
Expressionless, quiet, still you lie
No more chances; just what has gone by
But these I must keep holding dear
To tide me through the coming year
Haunting your bedside, wide awake
But yawning, for your memory’s sake
Until the time I can let go
And live, somewhat, the life I know.
Sleep on, I won’t begrudge you rest
I pray you wake up Heaven’s guest.

Sweet dreams, Uncle Johnny