That first smack of water br from the tap against the tile br is where it all ends as day begins. br br Liquid visions of night-drugged dreams br roll down the shower glass and slide br into the gulf of morning. br br I imagine diligent facts, random genius, br clever retorts swelling together br in some ethereal ocean, memories reaching skyward br as tiny peaks on its surface. br br Standing naked halfway between sleep br and reason, senses freed of sense, br my toes touch the tips of imagination. br br How I long to grip sleep's splintery oars br where, settled in my little blue rudderless boat, br I set sail to ride the tides of my dreams.