Reading in Bed

I open a book.

There’s someone there.

She’s a stranger at first,

But as I turn more pages,

I see her

Doing things

Saying things

Feeling things.

A few pages more

And I know her better

Than any real person.

I know her parents,

Her teachers,

Her friends,

Her enemies.

I hear her talking.

I hear her not talking.

I’m worried.

Things are bad.

What will she do?

Will she lie?

Will she run?

Will she put herself in danger?

Will she change?

What?

No, I’m not asleep.

How can I sleep

When I’m already dreaming?

Elizabeth Steinglass