Stealing Breath

awake in the dark
I listen
her labored breathing
grips me

I am afraid to sleep
fearing silence
while I'm dreaming

I roll over and stare at her
she sleeps
full moon light
sparkling on her nose

I want to cradle her
until she wakes

instead

I roll back and stare at the ceiling
wait for the
seal cough
breathing machine nearby

deep breath
I count ceiling shadows

©bonnie pignatiello leer
(Published in Juice 2008)