Primal Sleep

Before there were beds
my ancestor lay down to sleep
on soft earth and layers of leaves
that yielded to the weight of
an unfamiliar body

Before there were pillows
my ancestor lowered a weary head
onto one strong, supportive arm
and felt the rhythm of pulsing blood
already ancient in its origin

Before there were lullabies
my ancestor listened to the voices of night
and understood the messages of
rushing wind and rustling leaves
and creature calls into the darkness

Before there were dreams
my ancestor entered a secret realm
of unconnected images and sounds
creating a twisted new reality
that vanished with the dawn

Before there were alarm clocks
my ancestor opened fresh eyes to the new day
certain of the pleasures and terrors it would bring
then rose to stand upright on two feet
and walk unquestioningly into the world