The Speaker is a restless individual who deals with nighttime anxiety and insomnia. Instead of accepting the frustration of losing sleep, she actively reimagines her sleeplessness as a vibrant field or garden. Her mind remains highly active during the night, processing intense physical longing for her partner and eventually seeking tranquility by asking a friend for a comforting story.

Ada Limón is a fellow poet and close friend of the Speaker. She serves as the direct audience for the Speaker's thoughts and acts as a grounding, safe presence. The Speaker relies on her to tell a familiar, soothing story about planting and burning sweet grass to help ease the Speaker's midnight anxiety.

The Lover is the Speaker's romantic partner. She is heavily associated with the color green, spring, and vibrant natural energy. She represents the focus of the Speaker's physical affection and serves as an antidote to restless anxiety through mutual connection and physical exhaustion.