by Marissa Bell Toffoli.
I wish in the country of night
not to feel so small.
I wish I could sleep when I need to most,
that I could make myself comfortable
in such awkward places
as under a desk or in the bathtub.
If only I could fit in a corner
beneath the bed to hide
when strange noises sound.
I wish to trade skin for something softer,
like fur, that would cloak fear.
A cat has a certain freedom,
swishing about with eight extra lives
upon such silent paws.
I wish in the country of night
to learn how to let go.