Sleepless Poem by Salvatore Ala

Keep me awake one minute beyond those I love
That I may guide them safely through dark doors
Keep me awake one minute beyond first light
Like an after-image of light eternal
Don't shut my eyes unless sleepless I depart
Sleepless arrive where sleepless I embarked
Don't close my hands before I touch the last wave
Don't bind my feet until the dance is slowing
Don't cover my mind before it pictures its dream
Don't bury me before I write my grave
Or stop my blood until it flies in birds
Don't let the wind blow into my mouth
Before my spirit steps into its spaces