Reasons for Staying Up Late

to curl up with the cats

in the bed of stars
that have drifted through the ceiling 

to listen to coyotes
converse with the moon

to breathe in the intoxicating smell 

of the night blooming jasmine
drifting in the window
that calls me to dance

through the backyard in my nightgown

because my midnight muse

has arrived
carrying a basket of words

that must be used before dawn 

and because you are asleep
and waiting

and because nothing
is sweeter than returning
to the curve of your back against mine
to wake to the orange hush
of morning together