While You Were Sleeping Poem by Bryan Riley

I might've set the house on fire.
I could have written the poem that
would change the world, or maybe
I filled an ocean with my tears.

You fell asleep in the middle of my discourse.

While you were sleeping, I pinched an angel
and made her sing.
I told the story of your life to a complete stranger.
I made your favorite dessert and
ate it alone.

You took a bathroom break in the
middle of my discourse-

during which time I set out across
the desert to find your heart; to
bring it back to you so
you could be made whole again.

I built monuments to my love for you.

I sang songs meant for your ears alone, then-

While you were sleeping, I slept beside you,
and I dreamt- only of you.
I swear to God I dreamt-
only of you.