I Sleep in Providence

The first line was accidental poetry I heard someone say at a recent meeting, much like these two.

I sleep in providence

            always.

            most days.

            although, when I wake, I find myself

                        elsewhere.

                        nowhere.

                        here.

            when I am done visiting your version

                        of Charon.

                        of Cerberus.

                        of love and Lethe.

            despite the brightness of the ambient city lights.

            where the streets are so narrow.

            and sometimes I lose

                        my way.

                        my sight.

                        you.

            at least, I wish I did.

            but I’d rather sleep with you.

            even though, sometimes it seems like Hell.

            or Purgatory.

            for no good reason.

            hoping I’ll become worthy

                        of the place.

                        of your wanting.

                        of myself.

            beside some vast ocean I can’t name.

            until someone finds me out and I’m

                        ousted.

                        castigated.

                        deified.

            forever.

            never.

            on the occasion of your latest heartbreak.

            listening to autumn leaves fall

                        in a coffee shop.

                        in my head.

                        in another time.

            in a coffee shop.

            during autumn.

            wearing nothing

                        except sorrow, mine.

                        except sorrow, yours.

                        except a lonely hat.

            feeling only desire.

I dream of you.