We have finally settled for the night

Sleep last on the list

 

The wait is on to find words succinct but sweet

That will settle and soothe us to sleep

 

A significant silence stretches out before us

It seems to go on for an eternity

I wait, revelling in its poignancy

 

Not willing for false sentiment

I’ll wait for words that ring true

 

Finally the wait seems to be over,

Your cough punctures the air.

 

But you’re buying time for more thought,

The words are not there.

 

Don’t confuse our silence for solemnity

The opposite is true

I could lie like this for hours

Sleeping next to you