sleeplessness

babychop is wiggly with excitement
instead of sleeping.
the letter, waiting to be composed,
is discussed in the darkness
as i wait for the sandman to step in.

i will tell you what to write, mama.
i know i want a percy train.
and i would like more tracks...the ones with the pirate cove!
will santa write back?
mama? can santa really see me?
when is christmas?
can i open tomorrow's door on the chocolate calendar?
is tomorrow a school day? or will it be christmas?

then, i sing "silent night".
and (almost) every time, it works.
heavy eyelids as he starts singing along.
and, somewhere in the fourth round,
there is slumber.