Restraint is such work

that I write by hand to keep my eye

on the whisp of every word

carefully pinging each syllable

into the hollow of atender ear.

 

Exercising past my bedtime

pushing tired muscles into the dark.

Worn wet neurons

past their tense

sleepwalking into the bright.

 

It is partner to refrain.

to return to the

absence of touch,

avoiding delight,

to not hear the tender

skin's swarming.

 

Or cousin to discipline.

To remain loose in unlived light,

a temporary weeping particle of dust

soon to be swallowed:

 

The standard price for admission

to the brightest star in the sky.