Paper Listens Well

I woke one morning, digging through the covers of my bed. My husband asked me what I was looking for and I replied, "I think I wrote a poem in the middle of the night. Oh, yep! Here it is!" I exclaimed as I found the crumpled piece of notebook paper.  I took a minute to read it, surprised that I could decipher my handwriting as I knew I had not turned on the lights.   I have talked in my sleep and I have walked in my sleep, but never (until now) have I written poetry in my sleep!

Paper listens well.

Within it I can hide;

Confide in it my deepest thoughts 

And know it's on my side

I know it will not judge me

As I relay my hopes and dreams. 

It cries with me, hopes with me 

And rejoices...or so it seems

Paper listens well 

So silent and so bold.

It waits intently as I speak.

My secrets it does hold

A loyal friend it has been 

Encouraging me to be true

Trusting and supporting friend

Offering a new point of view

Paper listens well

I think I'll keep it near

No other can take on the role 

Our friendship is so dear

And when it sits there empty

Just waiting for me to talk,

I will answer its beckoning

It will no longer have to knock.

Paper listens well

I enjoy its company

And then it takes its own turn

And shares its heart with me.

It sorts out all of my thoughts

Listening to what I did tell

Its advice to me is priceless.

My paper listens well. 

By JoEllen Claypool