stay out late

you're at an age

where you can stay out late,

stay up all night,

burn the midnight oil,

as they say.

but you don't, at least

not anymore.

sleep is a drug now,

a drink,

a fine woman.

an elixir for the day.

at ten your head

is on the pillow,

sighing with relief.

to dream, perchance

to dream.