the daysleeper dreams
of car horns, barking dogs and
the perfect earplugs.

lesson left unlearned:
invade, remove and replace – - does it ever work?

early morning air
evoking military
pre-dawn assembly.

Is this lasting peace,
or cynicism’s taunt of
precarious hope?

silken-voiced siren,
singing in the cool night air,
lilting lullabies.

crickets chirp outside;
their daily celebration
hailing night’s return.

give me your lotions,
drinks, shampoo and yogurt cups
for your own safety.