As dirt is to the floor,
which is more than can be said for some people.
—John Ashbery
Is it aching
while you’re
sleeping?
Does it
ache while
you sleep?
I will sing if
you will let me.
Let me please
be your relief.
I won’t ask you
(this I promise)
if it’s age or
if it’s youth
that’s at issue
with your head,
dear – I misspoke –
is it your tooth?
If I sing, I’ll do it
gently, but a smidge
(or two) off-key.
Will it wake you?
Will it ache you?
Oh, my dear,
are you asleep?
