sleeping

sleeping or praying?

 

Sleeping on My Side


by Billy Collins

Every night, no matter where I am


when I lie down, I turn


my back on half the world.

At home, it’s the east I ignore,


with its theatres and silverware,


as I face the adventurous west.

But when I’m on the road


in some hotel’s room 213 or 402


I could be pointed anywhere,

yet I hardly care as long as you


are there facing the other way


so we are defended in all degrees

and my left ear is pressing down


as if listening for hoof beats in the ground.
 
“Sleeping on My Side” by Billy Collins. Permission by Chris Calhoun Agency, © Billy Collins, from his collection Whale Day and Other Poems