finish it

I nearly fall asleep
when sally tells me a story.
I grab toothpicks
to keep my eye lids open,
stifling the yawns
that come
with both hands.
she can't finish,
it goes on and on.
with side stories, unnecessary
embellishments,
detours
and wide turns.
have I told you this story
before she says,
seeing me nodding off,
slipping off the chair.
most of it, yes, I say, hoping
to stop her,
but no. well, wait to you hear
this part.
she goes on and on,
tapping my leg to keep me
awake.