a nap

There are different ways of being approached by a nap. All of them are equally hard to resist. 

Sometimes, one is pursued. The nap is a distant, nebulous idea. It is wispy. In and out of one’s consciousness it moves,  like a cirrus cloud on a summer afternoon. It slips slowly by and rests gently on one, lulling, whispering, coaxing the individual to lie down and close one’s eyes for just a moment. The nap has arrived.

Sometimes, one is snuck up on. The nap of this sort is more assertive, sometimes even aggressive. It is persistent and strong. Eyelids droop. Shoulders slump. One may try to rearrange one’s body or even drink coffee, but rarely is this nap ignored. It overcomes and it isn’t until one awakes that one realizes the nap had, indeed, won. 

Other times, the nap announces itself early, perhaps even upon waking in the morning. The nap is imminent, confident it will triumph, wielding a patient power. It is convenient and welcome. One can integrate the nap into the day’s schedule and embrace it, lying down and covering up in front of the fireplace or a sunny window. The nap invokes a cat-like response complete with a yawn and a sigh. The softness of the blanket against the cheek is noticed. The toes are tucked under a cushion for extra warmth. The phone is turned off and the pillow is fluffed. This nap is intentional and desired. All parties are satisfied.

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