“Somnambulists” by Alegria Imperial

Night dying can't be quiet
here: the air sputters,
roars. Dogs cough
in their sleep. Water laps
edges of dreams.

Someone rises
in the dark, pattering feet
alone. Phantom paws
race the light, purple spears

like bruises night inflicts
on sleep. No one waits for
night dying here:day isn't
a likely light.