Sleep is a stranger to me,
Once her familiar touch caressed me daily.
Where has she gone, that I may be left,
Alone.
Cold thick sweat,
where once was—soothing warmth
of sleeps sweet embrace.
Pressure, pumps and pounds
my temples flushed with blood
my mind, devoid of dreams.
What dreams ? Dreams of slumber?
Of relaxation, a deserted beach.
Waves lap cool against my toes.
These dreams, this short affair,
with another life, one better, calmer
Than this hectic jumbled junk of an existence?
Bring back my dreams, my inner peace.
My quiet moment of reflection.
Sleep, Sleep please return!
Oh jilted lover, make warm my bed,
as on my pillow I rest my head.
Take me far way, from these earthly troubles.
I feel her creeping slowly up the hall,
curling, quickly up the sheets,
eyes sore, lids heavy she comes,
her warm embrace once more.
Into,
Silent Bliss,
I Fall.
gordontant, 7 months ago
nice one Craig… I can relate to this so much
Craig Goldsmith, 7 months ago
It started as a journal, it was going to be a rant about my frustrating week and the lack of sleep, and why I hate timezones. But, well the spirit moved me to write instead. :)
Steven Sandner, 7 months ago
Nice work, yeah the recent wave of humid/hot weather has turned me into an insomniac.
Patricia L. Ba..., 7 months ago
As a life long insomniac, I understand. Great work.
Jessica Tremp, 7 months ago
i can’t sleep either tonight
Heather Loster, 7 months ago
i know how you feel! you write so beautiful.
Gayla Drummond, 7 months ago
Wonderful work, I can relate at times.
Christina Martin, 7 months ago
I can relate to that too
Cadence, 7 months ago
Oh my gosh! I didn’t know you were a writer, too! Your talent astounds me, Craig – as does this poem! :) Beautifully worded. Vivid imagery/metaphors. I love the fourth stanza especially! Nice, organic rhyme scheme there… I almost didn’t notice it! The more I read over this piece the more I am impressed! You’ve even got some good alliteration going! ‘Sleep>Stranger’ ‘Pressure>Pumps>Pounds’ ‘Devoid>Dreams’... Very enjoyable read, Craig.
Mandy Moore, 7 months ago
Well written, Craig! Insomnia is my way of life too and I know how wonderful it is when you finally have a night without it!
Heather King, 7 months ago
brilliant!
jegustavsen, 7 months ago
I love the way you poetically wrote this b/c the rest is such a wonderful ending.
Lea Wells, 7 months ago
Sleeplessness makes for some interesting art and writing though. I would like to sleep the way my cat does just once. I daydream about sleeping.
BarryKing, 7 months ago
Wow…I’m so glad i went back a few pages to see this Craig…
I just finished writing about this myself…
Sadly, I can relate all to well with what you’re saying….
Excellent writing
Jenny Haskey, 7 months ago
Fantastic work Craig. For a second I thought you had yet another talent that matched your art & writing skills – mind reading – I’ve been an insomniac all my life so know all too well this feeling. I’m printing this out to put by my bed to remind me I’m not the only one but also that eventually Into, Silent Bliss, I will fall…
Samantha R, 7 months ago
Nice work Craig, I am familiar and live with the same problem. It sucks some times but it also can be an advantage to you, such as this piece! Great writing
Amanda Cole, 7 months ago
Lovely, it reminds me a little of John Donne (Sp) really like this style here!
Craig Goldsmith, 7 months ago
Wow, thanks for the all the responses, I really wasn’t expecting this, I was just frustrated and ranting a little, but I’m glad it has struck a chord with some other sufferers it is nice to know we are not alone out there :)
CBTan, 7 months ago
I never knew you to be such a poet Craig. ;)
Keep in mind, sleep deprivation is one of the most effective forms of torture. A human being can go without water longer than they can go without sleep!
twistedson, 7 months ago
Beautiful words…love the last stanza, the way it rolls and softens, you really take the reader with you!!!
arty888, 7 months ago
you dont seem to need much sleep to be able to create beautiful poetry
javaqueen2000, 7 months ago
Do all writers have insomnia? Me thinkth they do!
blissis, 7 months ago
I can completely relate. I will be back to read more.
Birgitta, 7 months ago
WOW!!
This is excellent!
The ending has a punch, an unexpected turn..so well written.
You’re a gifted man!
Birgitta, 7 months ago
I know all too well the vicious nagging of insomnia, by the way.
I had to be hospitalized (after hypnotized) to knock me out before!
I SO relate to this.
Hoffard, 7 months ago
Thanks Craig I am honered! My art does go well with your writing! Great poem!
Rebs O, 6 months ago
great writing, ths is exactly how i feel after i have worked al night! love the pic too! its’ exactly whati look like then im totally shattered!
Leon Walker, 4 months ago
Nice… I’ve definately been there!!!