Lying in the dark room
eyes closed, waiting for the lull of sleep
my mind races
random worries about future events
and nagging thoughts about the now
did I lock the front door?
is the hob turned off?
Embarrassing incidents
from a decade ago
replay and haunt my exhausted mind.
My mind is like a television set
that will not switch off
despite the plug being pulled,
the volume is loud
enough to keep me awake.
I roll onto my side
tutting, huffing, stuffing the pillow
up under my head
slowing my breathing
and then it happens
sleep comes to me
the visiting angel,
the night breeze
ruffling her feathers.
The needle of sleep
drifts through my grooves,
I give in, dancing to its tune,
unclenching my fists.
Then the morning alarm goes off
and feeling more tired than
when I went to bed
I get up and head
for the shower.