“Sometimes I Think the Time Is Running Out When I’m Just Tired” by Peter Leight

Sometimes I Think the Time Is Running Out When I’m Just Tired

of being here

pulling up my hair
and shaking it out

not waiting until I’m tired
enough —
I mean it’s easy to be mistaken
when you’re tired

right now I’m thinking about leaving
not leaving without thinking about it
I think it makes me more thoughtful

Smearing some cream on my lips
to keep them from sticking

I’m tired of tucking 
in my tongue

tired of talking to my tongue

my tongue is tired

sometimes I think there isn’t enough time
to begin with

laying my hands

on my stomach

to keep them from leaving

I actually don’t mind being tired
when the time is running out

if there’s less time
I’m tired of less,

I think I’m less tired

Peter Leight

Peter Leight lives in Amherst, Massachusetts. He has previously published poems in Paris Review, AGNI, Antioch Review, Beloit Poetry Journal, New World, Tupelo Quarterly, Matter, and other magazines​.

Headshot: Margaret Bruzelius

Photo Credit: Staff