The house is

cast in a soft blue light,

which means I don’t have to worry

about finding the switch on the kitchen wall

as I walk to your room

to rock you back to sleep

and where I’ll try to listen through the wall

to hear if you woke your brother

while I will myself to stay awake

with you in my arms.

But if I nod off,

it’s never for too long,

just long enough that I don’t have to worry

about waking you

when I put you back down

and I walk back to my room

through the quiet blue snow light

where all those worries are divine.

Born and raised in Westhampton Beach, Long Island, Corydon Doyle has been a writer all his life.  In 2011 he self-published a book of poetry: Columnated Ruins, and in 2012 he collaborated with friend and illustrator Jeff Karl and self-published a children’s book Daydreams and Nightdreams, which won a Gold Medal Moonbeam Award.  He studied English Literature and Education at SUNY Fredonia and earned his Ph.D. in Literacy Studies from Hofstra University.  Currently, he teaches English at Mount Sinai High School and lives in Center Moriches with his wife, their two sons, and their dog Luna.  His favorite Brontë is Emily.