Sleeping Girl

After the painting by Balthus
Lapsed into sleep on a settee.
Day-garments mould her form tightly
yet the left breast is almost bare —
an offering to the artist-voyeur.
Her body is swathed in earth
shades, darkening her. As if in death?
But those languorous hands hold will,
are sculpted into survival.
However young and strong, at this moment
she is lost to herself. An absent
light deepens the shadow
on silken neck and brow.
Inside sleep's cocoon she unravels
her daylit life. The painter feels
the pulse of her dreambody as it takes
shape, glimmers. How long before she wakes?