One Eye Open
(for poet Ken Rehill)
 
I dreamt a white eagle
soared across the evening sky,
seeking prey.
 
Before it could gorge
upon its unweary meal
I awoke
warmed by a sunlight
that streamed peacefully
through my window.
 
Shaken by the memory
I wondered
had the creature survived
by my awakening?
 
I then wondered,
could God stop lives
from ending
by refusing to sleep?
 
Having no conversations
with Him to speak of,
I cannot answer,
I can only offer this:
perhaps it is better to sleep
with one eye open.