untitled
Madeleine Baran
Every night
you observe my sleeping patterns
at the edge of my bed
you wait.
I alone can see you
and sometimes
I think I must be mad
and deserve to be taken away
Locked up,
Prodded,
until my secret is divulged.
But they would never understand you.
How could they?
I don't even know why you stand,
tall,
over and over every night.
What are you protecting me from?
demons from my past?
impossible--
for you yourself are a demon
if I ever saw one.
Are you saving me from reality?
because if you are-
you aren't doing a very good job.
But still,
you come and stand.
And I know you
will never retreat
as you protect me
oh--of course--
from myself.
