it was probably
the abnormal amount of rain
and the distant flashes of lightning
working their way
through the folds in your blackout curtains
at 3:17 this morning
that raised your alarm
we took shifts laying on the floor
next to your bed
one hand extended up into yours
trying to soothe you back to sleep
but unable to let go
and move towards the door
without you raising your head
it wasn’t until i thought about the quilt
your mama draped over me
when my shift started
that i understood
the quilt my grandma ellie made for me
when i was only one
has Noah’s ark on a blue background
all the animals looking out their windows
with an owl at the top
watching the waves curling against the orange hull
you were surrounded in your crib
by a rainbow giraffe
blue bear the green dog
a small mouse holding a green blanket
a washington u ladies basketball bear
with converse high tops
an elephant with a light in its back
projecting stars and planets on the ceiling
and minnie mouse and sock monkey
nestled into the corner
you had brought them all aboard last night
each and every one confirmed
the same as every night
up from the couch
up the stairs to your room
and into their proper places among your blankets
and now you standing at the bow of your bed
your hands gripping the top railing tightly
like a ship’s captain on the rough and squirming seas
awake on the helm all night
eyes locked onto the horizon
keeping the ship at right angles
to the wind
and to the waves
