Sleeping with Varahi

close your red eyelids, Varahi.
I long to see the sun bob across the sea

like an old boat and disappear. 
the day has been too lengthy 

the rough stones I piled upon my back 
the way I stood upon my heart 

instead of holding it. break
these things for me

break my heart.
your breath in my ear is sweet as grass
 
your curtains as beautiful as any 
day, and I would say so even 

if this were not winter.
the crickets sustain my 

pulse. the owl watches my roads 
with vigilance. there is no longer

any need to be frightened. 
my arm hooping your round chest 

I flatten myself like a field
upon the earth, your warm earth
​
and rest.