After Midnight

When you drifted off to sleep the other night
I was wide awake.
I heard the deep melody of your breathing
and I was jealous.
My heart was still racing
still clanging around
trying to catch my thoughts
as they drove flatout
foot on the gas pedal.
so many what-ifs
and careening plotlines filled
the spaces between my ears
I can still hear your quiet snores
wishing I could join you there.
but it was not to be
too many thoughts
too many heartsick fears
all bottled up
longing to be let out of
their cages
so for ages
and ages
I just lay here
listening to you sleep.

December 28, 2021 0

Prayers before sleeping (poem)

Somewhere in the night
Dreams become elusive
Slipping past the fingers
Lingering only just out of reach.
We tame our tongues
With teas that help us sleep
And yet our minds race
Knocking down reason
Regardless of the seasons
We lay awake on our backs
Staring into the blackened sky.
If it were but a simpler life
Ah, but too simple these idle hands
Would ne’er be truly satisfied
Knowing apart is laying dormant
Would come full circle.
No! But in the darkness
In the creaks and groans
I find the break to pray
Silence beckons these lips
To utter and these ears
To listen…ever seeking
To become more in tune
With His still small voice
Even in such a sleepless night as this.