Elephants

The elephants are crowding around us
so don't even think about trying to sleep.

I lie wide awake wondering if you too
can hear them breathe.

One is nuzzled between us, sniffing at my ears
urging me to speak
Yet I don't even know where to begin
and how do I know if you're even listening?

Instead I swallow the urge to confront it
or you
or the desire to start jumping on your bed
as though I am the elephant,
as though I am the elephant.

After being caged for months I've forgotten how to act.
Dear me, maybe you have too.
Instead I squeeze my eyes shut and nuzzle my face closer,
pretending once again they don't exist