Nocturnal Symphony

I can't recall the last time I've had a good night's rest. It ain't because I'm stressed or restless or depressed. Nor is it the fitful snorin' of my spouse sprawlin' by my side. It's that consarned nocturnal symphony a-goin' on outside! First, all the neighborhood mutts join in discordant refrain. Heard is yippin' by poodles and the bellowin' of a Great Dane! Chihuahuas, dachshunds and spaniels join in the raucous fray. Addin' to the din, a quartet of Bassett hounds begin to bay! Just as I was relaxin' comfortably in Morpheus' gentle arms, There arose 'neath my window a squabble causin' more alarms. A couple of cats on their customary nocturnal prowlin' Had it out on my lawn a-screechin' and a-yowlin'! Along about midnight the strident din began to fade, Then, a legion of crickets began a monotonous serenade! Addin' to my plight, I heard the blarin' klaxon of a train, And the screamin' jet engines of a low-flyin' plane! The grandfather clock struck four and I'm still wide awake. I should've been a-snoozin' hours ago, for heavens' sake! Lord, what can be done to stifle that dissonant cacophony, My nemesis, that ceaseless, infernal nocturnal symphony! Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired © All Rights Reserved