watching
the slight breath
almost imperceptible
movement

and yet
i perceive

the soft     e
             s    
         i
      r

and

  fa
     l
       l

of your back

i cannot see your closed eyelids
and i wait for the shudders
to begin
the jolting indications
that tentatively disturb the stillness
and indicate
your
drift away from
me

to sleep