“I cannot sleep in your presenceIn your absence, tears prevent meyou watch me my belovedon each sleepiness night andOnly you see the difference”

“If you cry because the sun has gone out of your life, your tears will prevent you from seeing the stars.”

“I realised you owned me one night in this room. I was singing to you and you were sleeping. You made a little noise in your sleep like you were distressed and I panicked and ran to your side. You grabbed my arm in your sleep and pulled it up against your face and went back to sleep. I didn't want to ever move.”

“But unshed tears can turn rancid. So can memory. So can biting your tongue. My bad nights were beginning. I couldn't sleep.”

“It's all right, little woman, take my word for it. If I were you, I'd cry. You'll see things differently through your tears.”

“I waited just to see you at that kind of peace, I wanted to be beside you, I wanted you to wake up slowly or startle, or just half awaken and turn over or murmur my name. I wanted to watch you forever, or sleep beside you forever, or sleep forever while you woke and watched me, something forever anyway. I wanted to kiss you, rumple your hair, rest three fingertips on your hip bone warm and smooth, wake you that way or hush you back to sleep.”