”Now I lay me down to sleep—”
Eric spoke from the darkness. Hidden,
his voice was his full presence.
             “—I pray the lord my soul to keep.”
Only his boots could be heard,
crushing the floor beneath them,
as he walked & prowled in circles.
         “But if you die before I wake—”

Eric allowed his silhouette to come
into vision. Offering a painted face
to put to the voice, steps & recitation.
        “Make sure’s the bed you’ve made.”