Sleep

He watches her intensely though she sleeps,
As she reacts to dreams that could excite
Were he to know the contents, that she keeps
Within her head, while resting through the night;

He would seduce her, though her lidded eyes
Are closed and unresponsive to his kiss;
The clock ticks on, so let him just surmise
That she lies, precious in her dormant bliss;

Her every quiet breath begs him to stay
And watch over her form, lest she awake,
With tears that he would not wish to display,
Were she to know perfection makes him ache;

And, come the morning, when it's time to rise
She'll find him sleeping too: a sweet surprise.