Awake Or Asleep Poem by Irene Umulisa

I watch you…
I watch you as your features once tense,
Relax in sleep.
I place a hand on my chin,
Lean on my pillow,
And lovingly watch you as you sleep.

As your lips part slightly,
Surrendering,
Forgetting the cares of they that watched,
While your eyes were still open,
I realise that they are even more beautiful
And my fingers ache,
Lovingly ache,
To reach out and reach you.

I dare not wake you,
For awake or asleep,
You my love are still my utmost pleasure.

Tonight,
Watching you will be my rest.
Tonight,
I will capture the beauty of each moment.
Tonight,
I will be your chief guardian angel.
Nothing will harm you.
Tomorrow I shall arise,
Stronger and fuller than all that lay to rest,
With a spring in my step,
As I longingly await to watch you once again.