the archivist September 16, 2025
bedroom with two lamps and bed

A Remedy for Insomnia

Vera Pavlova

(tr. Steven Seymour)

Not sheep coming down the hills,
not cracks on the ceiling—
count the ones you loved,
the former tenants of dreams
who would keep you awake,
once meant the world to you,
rocked you in their arms,
those who loved you . . .
You will fall asleep, by dawn, in tears.

Book cover of Vera Pavlova
If There Is Something To Desire | amzn | lib | bookshop

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