Sunday Stew: The Nap

by Drew Sutherland

I woke myself this morning, wound me good and tight,
I wound myself this morning lookin' for a fight,
I had some things to clear up, some things I had to say,
I was going to stir the pot- make things right my way.

Slippers on, caffeine in hand, I went to the back door,
I do it every morning, to think of peace not war,
and as I opened up the door, saw the sparkling dew,
I felt your presence all around, and then I entered you.

I slept a half an hour and dreamt 100 years,
The changing of the seasons, happiness and tears.

And as I sat by naked trees, the early buds of Spring,
It hit me like a bolt of truth, "I do not know a thing."
A wash of peace fell on me then unfurrowing my brow,
My plans, my wrath melted away, I remembered an old vow.

I'd spent a year in solace, meditation, and some grace
I spent that time in silence, thoughts slowing in their race.
I'd figured out that being wound was causing misery,
Enslaving all I thought I loved, I caged what should be free.

I slept a half an hour and dreamt 100 years,
The changing of the seasons, happiness and tears.

I went and taught a class at school, forgot about my fight,
I said, "Hello?", "How are you?" and noticed the sunlight.
I trundled to my office and shed my teaching gear,
My tummy was on "Grumble" and a sandwich shop was near.

Friend in tow I ventured forth to forage for my food,
I needed me a gyro for I was "in the mood".
As I ate I wondered at springtime on the fringe.
My little gyro sandwich felt like such a binge.

Then back to home at 5:00, my knitting in my lap,
My eyes were dry and my bed called for a little kitty nap.
Up narrow stairs to my large bed, cloaked in downy white,
Window open, snuggled up, a slice of daytime night.

I slept a half an hour and dreamt 100 years,
The changing of the seasons, happiness and tears.

In 30 minutes I had gone across a vast landscape,
Surveying all the beauty, confused by all the hate,
I woke from this extended trip sure I'd overslept,
A half an hour's all that passed, my cheeks were damp- I'd wept.

Slippers on, caffeine in hand, I went to the back door,
This time it wasn't morning, evening just off-shore,
And as I opened up the door, I thought of what was true,
Without my seated happiness, I can't share me with you.