One Exam Night

The night is donned in sequined black
So black, my melting candle is promoted to a relegated sun:
A dancing leaf-shaped fire held in place by wick

The occasional scurries and squeaks are of those
Timorous vermins playing hide and seek
In the night where my sun cannot reach

Oceans of caffeine have drowned sleep to coma
I am partially lost in a forest of processed leaves
I leaf through another leaf that would be precarious to leave;
Dried ink of familiar tongues long drafted in dusty tomes
Transforms into a mixture of Aramaic and other unknown tongues

Sprawled beside me in the bosom of sleep,
Emitting a concordance of snores, is the forbidden apple
Seductive in rounded curves
Highlighted by this dancing fire on dying wick
My tongue is flooded with desire

But I pause my arm in mid air:
Not
tonight
serpent,
Not tonight…

Scurry sounds across the room…

The clothed night gives a strip tease…

My erect candle further dwindles…

This forest still is thick