wide eyes take up doorways, begging me not to leave
it’s not forever i chime but only goodnight
near forgiveness, he is unconvinced but for his mother’s kiss

this chair a portal and sleep’s sweet lingering kiss
rest upon my eyes now panhandlers taking their leave
a sleepless slumber my true reprieve on this goodnight

the day deftly drifts away, i bid each obligation goodnight
as if life were a teen’s fantasy of stolen kisses
memories collide with realities as consciousness leaves

today’s transgressions leave room for dreams with mom’s goodnight kiss