In the second half of their lives

she faces east

and he faces west when they sleep.

Despite the constant wood fire heat

radiating from his presence

she balls cocoon tight into herself

wearing thick wool socks to complete the fold.

Contrary to sleepy or awake eyes

their slightly touching backs

does not indicate an acquired aloofness

or a developing indifference.

Theirs is a comfortable separateness

in a welcomed, shared space.

.

When they hunker down

for the night

or more frequent day naps,

they always first revisit their childhood bedtime antics.

They share in youth quilted beds with siblings.

Scolded to hush

by mamas who expected children,

as soon as, heads touched pillows

to fall quickly and quietly to sleep.

They recall rules set by mamas

that forced talk into whispers,

and whispers into the fringes of soft giggles.

Now these unforgettable stolen moments

become their mainspring.

The sweet somethings calmly spoken

before she turns eastward

and he turns westward

into night's embrace.