sleeping things

required, rest—
maybe not sleep
bullfrogs go dormant
butterflies have torpor
but for those
who sleep
all sleeping things
are children
even the assassin,
eyelashes dusting
his cheeks
mouth-softening
breath-easing
guileless sleep

         the phrase “all sleeping things are children”
         is from “The Sleeping Pig” by Jenny George

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Amrita Skye Blaine develops themes of aging, disability, and spiritual awakening. She received an MFA from Antioch University. Her poems have been accepted by Soul-Lit, Braided Way Magazine, The Merton Seasonal, The Penwood Review, Soul Forte, Delta Poetry Review, the New English Review, and Chiron Review. Her poetry collection, every riven thing, is being published by Finishing Line Press mid-2025.