Pebon come,
Tell me your stories tonight
So I can sleep.
Bore me with details
Of counted items
And reports of what the shamans all said at the conference.
Speak to me of
Their religious studies
And philosophical diatribes after that
If I'm still awake.

Or let me sneak away while you're talking,
Out into the cold night.
Let me stay awake and watch
The stars across the sky.
Let me peek into their business
And see all their romantic pursuits,
And know firsthand the effects true love can have
On gold and hydrogen.

I can sleep in the morning
When the sun hides their intrigue.
Or I can sleep later when I no longer care.

-jenn