Playthings

I stirred
 
The word “plank” skittered from my mind
as if unleashed,
as if it were inside
a speech balloon.
 
I watched it float away
and, still half-asleep, thought:
plank

Wide.

Weathered.

Tired.

Yes! That’s it! TIRED!

 
and felt the thrill of winning first prize.
 
My brain
prefers words
even in sleep.