Insomniac

I lie in bed, almost asleep, But my mind has other ideas And begins to mull over Everything in my life! Suddenly, I am wide awake. I turn on my side and fluff my pillow To get more comfortable. I resolve not to think about anything, Make my mind a blank! But my feet are cold! I sit up And pick up socks from the floor And pull them on. That’s better! I stretch out flat on my back And try relaxing all my muscles From the top of my head down, As I’ve been taught. Doesn’t work! I turn on my side and curl up. I breathe deeply - once, twice - Oh! Oh! Oh! A cramp In my calf pulls me upright, and I leap out of bed onto the icy floor. Flexing my foot and leg, I limp Painfully back and forth Around the room. I approach the bed again, With trepidation, and smooth the Blankets and pillow just right, Wooing sleep. But no! Still, Questions float through my head – “Did I…?”“How will …?”, “If I organize it this way, then…” “Stop! Stop! Stop!” I tell myself. I try humming To drown out my thoughts! Now I’m too warm. I toss off A blanket and throw the socks Back on the floor, Untangle my blankets And punch my pillow! It’s no use. I get up, tie on my robe, And go downstairs to the kitchen To make a cup of chamomile. While I’m waiting for the tea I eat two crackers, And some ice cream I spoon right from the container. I carry my cup carefully into The dark living room, settle Myself on the couch by the window, And watch the patterns Made by the wind and trees In the park across the street. The steaming tea, the monotony and Dark hypnotize me, And finally I relax. I trudge wearily up the stairs, Crawl back into bed, Pull up my blankets, And fall well and soundly asleep!