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Sonnets From Other Lives: Ward

He wakes up, sees the clock, 3:43.
What was it that he heard or did not hear
in the dark place where he dreams his dreams?
A child’s whimper? That familiar fear
has awakened too & left the dream
to press its crushing weight down on his heart.
He has to get up . They’ll be no more sleep
tonight. He knows this drama—knows his part
is to keep the vigil faithfully. His wife
shudders restlessly in her own dream.
In the child’s room small signs of life
still abide—his toys untouched. Silently
he stares down at the empty bed. Moonlight
confirms the nightmare for another night.