Sleep Poem by Barry Middleton

Sleep is a pale stranger
when the mind lingers
in a forgotten waltz.

Memory brings a chill
in the darkest night,
for I cannot forget
your tender kiss.

And late night talk
ended all my fears
until our love was lost.

But imperfect endings
leave haunting shadows.
The faint hint of music
is a summons for you.

Sleep is a pale stranger
as our dance continues
in a nearly faded dream.

Midnight knows the beat.
I bow to a dim ghost,
swaying in a final waltz,
within my silent room.