We seldom sleep as deeply now at night;
we’re half-awake each time we shift in bed.
And so we like to slumber in the light
of 3 p.m., and after sunset’s red
has dimmed, we sudden-snooze on couch or chair.
We used to brim with energy, but now
we’re seeking quiet comfort everywhere –
we’d run at night but we’ve forgotten how.

Declaring that you’ll make productive time
at night like homework – that’s a vow too weak
to stand, too thinly stretched beyond your prime.
A shorter office day you’ll have to seek,
if you propose to work, and then create,
and dine at 6, and fall asleep at 8.