In the second half of their lives
she faces east
and he faces west when they sleep.
Despite the constant wood fire heat
radiating from his presence
she balls cocoon tight into herself
wearing thick wool socks to complete the fold.
Contrary to sleepy or awake eyes
their slightly touching backs
does not indicate an acquired aloofness
or a developing indifference.
Theirs is a comfortable separateness
in a welcomed, shared space.
.
When they hunker down
for the night
or more frequent day naps,
they always first revisit their childhood bedtime antics.
They share in youth quilted beds with siblings.
Scolded to hush
by mamas who expected children,
as soon as, heads touched pillows
to fall quickly and quietly to sleep.
They recall rules set by mamas
that forced talk into whispers,
and whispers into the fringes of soft giggles.
Now these unforgettable stolen moments
become their mainspring.
The sweet somethings calmly spoken
before she turns eastward
and he turns westward
into night's embrace.
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