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I hate to wake a sleeping creature.
Perhaps it is because I seldom sleep enough myself,
Perhaps because I enjoy escaping to my dreams,
But I hate to awaken a sleeper.

When I was a child
My father would fall asleep reading the newspaper.
If I had not yet read the funnies
I would creep into his room to take the paper—
But I dared not be too quiet
Lest old training take over
And he guard against the silent enemy soldier sneaking upon him.

I love to watch a peaceful cat curled up asleep.
(Legend says Mohammed cut the sleeve off his robe
Rather than wake the cat asleep there.)
When I saw my beautiful Sydney sleeping,
His green eyes hidden behind silver fur,
A saying from the Song would come to mind.
I paraphrased it to fit the moment:
Do not disturb my beloved while he sleeps.
(I've since read that same verse translated
Quite differently—
Also good advice:
Do not awaken love until it is ready.)

On early Sunday mornings
At the back gate to the church
Often a man is sleeping
(I do not know his name,
I suppose I should).
When arriving early to prepare the Elements
I have tried to open the gate without awakening him.
Always I would find myself apologizing to the sleepy man.
So I began using the front door,
Not to avoid the man
But to avoid disturbing him.
I cannot bear to wake one who is sleeping.

Twice I've driven while a passenger dozed.
I wanted the company to keep myself awake,
But I could not bring myself to disturb my sleepy friend.
It is not easy to look upon a dozing passenger,
At least not if you wish to drive safely.
The first time as my friend slept
Something motherly stirred within me,
I wanted to protect the fragile little one,
I wanted to guard my drowsy little brother.
The second time, it was a different friend
Who slumped forward, bending his head down.
I thought about waking him lest his neck become sore,
But I hate to wake a sleeping creature.
Instead I wanted to watch him.
(A story says one's true face is revealed in sleep—
I wished to evaluate him.)
I wanted to tell him to sleep
And I will watch,
And I would catch him should he fall—
Though I was the only one in danger of falling.

Do not disturb my beloved while he sleeps.

Dreamscape Epilogue Perchance to Dream asleep