Do Not Lose Sleep Over Me

I am the dark

I come uninvited

I come, I encroach

at least once a day and once in this way

heel to toe to heel 

with my head hung low

for I know I am not welcome

I wish I could hold you

instead I choke you

instead I extract

from your brow, from arms, from back, to sheets

leave them salted-damp

I wish I could whisper

sleep into your surface

instead I scream

which shatters you, which breaks you

you are forced to wake

which is only a condition

a temporary condition

I am your fears

dark brings me here

despite my outward refusals

I come, uninvited

I come, I encroach

dragged by the wrists here

with my head hung low, dear

just know, if I could, I would leave you to be here

I would run far and farther away

but in fact, I am bound

by the dark, which I surround

and we bid you-

do not lose sleep over me