It’s night.
The stars are pouring into my retinas
In slow motion
Like molasses or any dream.
My phone screen is black
And I’m waiting to hear your voice
Across eons of dirt and distance.
Don’t go to sleep.

You moved to California
And it was ten o’clock your time
Don’t go to sleep.

I’m getting scared. You said you’d call.
I’m getting scared that
Someone else’s hands are doing
What I’m too far away to do.
Don’t go to sleep.

I’m picturing your nails dug into his back.
Don’t go to sleep.

I see your phone on his nightstand.
Don’t go to sleep.

I see my face evaporating from your
consciousness.
Don’t go to sleep.

I see you forgetting me.
Don’t go to sleep.

I consider driving to you.
I consider getting behind the wheel
And driving till
The eons fall blank
The highway melts
Just to quell the fear.
Don’t go to sleep.

My eyes can’t keep open anymore.
Don’t go to sleep.

I go to sleep.
Images of you flicker like flint
Behind my eyelids.
Your mouth becomes a receiver
And all that comes out is a dial tone.
I’m scared that I forgot your voice.

I wake up in the morning.
Sunlight knocking on my eyelids.
No missed calls.