no need (to weep)

through the night
a gathering
of foul

perched above my head
where I lay
sleeping

and I felt it
as a gentle wheeze
each time
I took a breath

and I felt it
as a tear that fell
from my eyes
each
in turn
without my knowledge
and without
a provocation

though
my dreams were strange

troubled
by this grey moment
in time

and who is to say
that’s not a reason
and enough
for a casual cry

I carry a picture
of myself
within my mind

the image
is of me
as a hollow mannequin

filling up
in shades
of damaged air

rising within me
from the ground

not filled
completely

not yet
only as high
as my chest

as high
as that part of me
that does the breathing

I am weary of feeling
like this

I am weary
of the knowledge
this
will not end

no

not today

perhaps
there’ll be no need
to weep
tomorrow

~