Bedtime Ritual

When I'm ready for bed, I
turn off all the lights in the
bedroom and retreat to the
bathroom to read poetry.
I sit on the lid of the
commode and read aloud
as my cat stretches out
on the bedroom couch.
She has already called
it a night. Line by line,
I quiet my heart and
refresh my mind,
purging my brain of
the toxins of the day.
Page by page, I am
reminded that there
is more to life than
industry, rehearsals
and housework. I
shed the obligations
of today and, word
by word, feel sleep's
gentle smile return.

© 2006 Amy E. Hall