Last night I counted stars on the eyelids of thieves

stealing away my reality into the night

replacing it with hopefulness and joy

then stealing again

and again.

but those stars were nothing but headlights

of a semi running me down;

no breaks

no breaks

no breaks.

and wakefulness came in the form of

cold sweat

ragged breath

salty cheeks

heart squeeze

no more lights across my eyes

and lies.

You were never here with me.