Up Late

A slowly, so far gently,
Dying person’s like a child
Sitting up with the grownups,

Hoping to stay unnoticed
But getting progressively
Sleepier and sleepier,

Head nodding, dreams sneaking in
All involuntarily,
At risk of discovery,

Snapping awake a moment
To murmurs around the fire
Then starting to doze again,

Doesn’t want to go to bed,
Would like to sleep and listen.