I wrote this poem during a time when I was suffering from an acute lack of sleep, whilst working full time and studying. The poem reads as the loss of sleep as to the loss of a lover. My daughter encouraged me to read ‘The Effortless Sleep Method’ by Sasha Stephens which I found very helpful. I also talked to my doctor, changed my diet to reduce stomach acid and increased my fitness level which all helped to reduce my sleeping problem. Beverley Joy
Sleep, elusive sleep
Where are you when I need you?
You play a cruel game of ‘hide and seek’
I cannot find you in the dark.
Sleep, precious sleep
I need you; my body aches for you
Why do you punish me so?
Why cause me such pain?
Sleep, lovely sleep
Come to me; embrace my body
I wait for you in the dark
I want you with all my heart.
Sleep, estranged sleep
Why won’t you be my friend?
What did I do to send you away?
I’m sorry, turn back, face me again.
Let us sit together and reconcile
I’ll change my life, follow your advice
I need you or I will die
Love me, sleep, for you I cry.
Sleep, gracious sleep
Thank you for showing mercy to me.
I’m sorry for abusing you
By abusing my body and time
Lacking respect for what you need
Drowning you with chemicals.
Sleep, natural sleep
You’ve existed since the dawn of time
Yet, my life is but a blink of your eye
Teach me your secret, known by plants and creatures
How to sync in unison with your natural way.
Beverley Joy © 2020 of Simply Story Poetry
You may also enjoy my story The Monster of my Summer which inspired this poem.
You can listen to all my poems on several podcast platforms here
Image by syaifulptak57 from Pixabay
Simply Story Poetry 