Veil

sliver of vertical night visible slit along the curtain centre-line too lazy to pull them tight surely nobody outside lurking, peering in winds rise, branches creak and fight rattling thud, something moves, somewhere not far away cosy on the edge of fright the rain does lash, thrash and thrum on the window-pane so cuddle in, out of sight turn toward the pillow, tilted still half-looking focus drifting, downward flight eye-lid motion mimics the state of awareness first birdsong disturbs the sleep veil back-lit as dawn dissolves dim glowing darkness scan the length, the hanging sweep beaks announce material folds, suggested deer expectant, ready to leap doughy face and furtive shape emerge re-pleating reality skinny skin-deep dreamscapes drape the new day with tall tapestry tales so draw the future and reap hopeful morning, rays bathing bountiful beauty as little wings cheer and cheep clouds pass the sun, grounded feathers in the shadows don the mask, heave on the cloak defend against the viral load, heavy breathing watch out for febrile folk wild games people play, clandestine intermingling beware anointed keystroke shaman, mullah, rabbi, priest, cleric, monk and nun flames not far below the smoke guardians of supernatural jealous gods those who divide, those who stoke whether hijab, masak or turban, coife or quimpe jibe, jape or jeer, jest or joke lives matter much more than statues masquerading