I Read Poetry through the Night – Koh Zhi Min

I read poetry through the night,
because the tea I drank wouldn’t
give me rest.

I read poetry through the night,
because my thoughts became
stubborn socks that refused simply
to match.

I read poetry through the night,
because there was perfect stillness,

the crickets joining the
cadence and rhythm of
each poem,

chiming and harmonizing
in my head.

I read poetry through the night,
because the stars I desire are
unattainable,

sparkling and winking
at a future in which
I did little else but
read

as I fill my words
and thoughts across
each page.