Tucking In

The subway car sloped above ground,

leaving behind the tunnel's darkness

for the comfort of the city night -

street lamps, joggers, rain.

And I felt myself small again,

blessed by such transforming:

Her hand on my forehead,

her voice

filling the darkness

with color

quieter

than the downy pillow

hugging my head;

she sealed the blankets

around me

as if to keep

the song's warmth in,

and I would get too close

to sleep to form

the words

to make her stay.