Iris in the House of Sleep
Fiona Kennedy

On Hera’s business, to the House of Sleep
Went shining Iris, swift and light as air—
She peered inside the cavern dark and deep
With stray dream matter tangled in her hair
Like softened stars, afloat by Hypnos’ bed
Moved dreams in gentle orbit all around
He slowly lifted up his heavy head,
Which with the weight of weariness was crowned
Sleep’s eyes, forever closed against the light,
Awoke for Iris, warm and diamantine
He took her hand and all the world turned bright,
Alive with color Sleep had never seen—
A tenderness that made the rainbow beam,
A vividness that woke the god of dreams.