We have a new couch
The color of something

Of I can't describe
Of not dark and not light
Not the color of sleep
Or awake

Nor the color you mention when trying to shock
Or astonish your friends
Make relatives envious
Cause your mother chagrin

A color less than you're thinking
But more than just nothing,
The color of someone who's somewhere
In a dream, flying


We have a new couch
From IKEA

And that means something somewhere
Just like its color that isn't a color
To whomever is telling you

A color the color of a person who's sleeping
On a couch that is new
With a tag and a brandname
Attached to a corner

A person who's nameless

Could she be an angel?
Could she be a Sarah?
Could she be a color?

I can't tell, but I know
That this might be possible

I know I won't be waking her


� 2004 by Tara Birch