Splash of eye drops, toss down pills,
initial steps of bed-time drill –
grope in dark for cozy fleece
as I pray for strife to cease.
Orange foam plugs swell in ears
as irritation grows to tears;
those immune to cannon roars
might better bear my husband’s snores!
Velcro straps grip ‘round my head,
drag gas-mask tubing into bed;
trochaic metered air blows in,
over steady, muffled din.
Subtly ‘tween the sheets I sneak,
as joints and bed frame groan and squeak;
play the artful elbow-dodger
with my dear old graying codger.
Bladder trumpets reveille
and it’s not even half-past three!
Disengage from C-Pap gear,
troop to bathroom, blurry veer
around a corner, hope’s in view,
my guide, a pulsing glow of blue:
recharging toothbrush handle lights
a beacon in the unlit night.
Since I’m awake, some Motrin’s next,
with food (or else my stomach’s vexed),
turn out the lights, reclaim my nest;
to think I get to call this “rest!”
Author notes
F R E E D B Y M E R C Y
M I R T H R Y L
Freed by Mercy wrote a free verse version of this poem. Mirthryl put it to rhyme, then Freed by Mercy edited the rhymed verse slightly.
In a list
A contest entry
- Collaboration! by Mirrorbox.
1000 points, ends November 27, 12 entries
• next poem in this contest, • Add to finalists list, or remove from contest
Comments
-
Wow!! Dang, what a lot of work just
to get some sleep! Sis you are incredible,
and Mirthryl you did a terrific job! Very
impressive, both of you. Good luck
in the contest.
Jeannie
-
This made me smile,
as I've been fighting insomnia lately;
and you've captured it just brilliantly.
I can feel both of your flavours and voices in here.
Well done, ladies! Good luck in the contest.
Love, Zach
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