This is How we Sleepwalk

 I  felt as if I was being held down
by sleep-
Rising to the surface,
toward shimmering consciousness,
I turn over, shift a little closer,
take your restless hand in mine-
and sink back into the murky darkness
of a dream.
There is a snapping pain in my back,
a cut in my nose,
an extra joint in each of my wrists-
when I turn my head
the bones in my neck, they crack-
a thundering popping in my skull-
a quick Release-
before muscles, sinews and tendons
slap back and clench tight.
My sleep is light
and troubled.
Swimming through confused images-
Half-Thoughts and Could-Have-Beens-
Rejected Words and Heartfelt Fears-
Enduring Memories and the 
tickle of some Unknown Scent
that has lingered here since Childhood-
the murmur of a familiar Voice
full of strange words
speaking a language I do not speak-
a Passing Inspiration, a Picture-I-Will-Never-Paint-
the tug of a Foreign Emotion,
the touch of a hand that is not my own-
I rise again.
The clinging flames of a night terror
become boldly shining morning light.
Heavy lidded eyes can barely see-
my dreams stay close to me-
as I brush my teeth
put on my clothes
set out to start the day-

A part of me is still asleep.