Revenge Sleep
At 10 PM, the house softens, edges blur, and colors fade
the dimming light, the goodnight kiss, the smell of just washed pillows
feel the slowing heart, the gentle breath, cool sheets caress skin
eyes softly close as the mind relaxes, lowering attention
releasing the anxiety held at bay in the daylight
the visceral clench in the stomach pit, the fear that has no name
in the darkness the morning light is dreaded, sleeping brings it closer
count down the numbers, exhaling slowly, bringing oblivion or nightmares
until dawn arrives with a gasp, count the numbers up, inhaling deeply
for as long as it takes to recage the fear
as the sun rises high
keeping revenge sleep many hours away.
©2022 Noreen Braman
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