Li-Young Lee




The Sleepless

Like any ready fruit, I woke
falling toward beginning and

welcome, all of night
the only safe place.

Spoken for, I knew
a near hand would meet me
everywhere I heard my name

and the stillness ripening
around it. I found my inborn minutes
decreed, my death appointed
and appointing.  And singing
collects the earth

about my rest,
making of my heart
the way home.