Robert L. Hinshaw Poet Rhyme

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

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Elizabeth Wesley June 25, 2011 at 2:14 PM As usual, your sense of humor shines through this as in all your others. I always enjoy. ^_^

Zzzzz Zzzzz May 4, 2011 at 6:26 AM Entertaining and oh so true for many of us! I wear earplugs (the wax ones) so that I can sleep at night. A sleepless night always seems to be a very long one! Regards, Robert.

Michelle Mac Donald May 3, 2011 at 6:01 AM Loved this noisy write Bob! Sounds like a wakeful nightmare. Not to worry though, the birds start singing and chirpping around 4:00 AM, and all else dozes off.:) A morning smile for me...thank you! Wishing you and yours the best! Mikki

Dr.Ram Mehta May 2, 2011 at 2:17 PM Lovely expressions on the sleeplessness, Bob

Jason Talbott May 2, 2011 at 11:15 AM Nice job. I know the feeling.

Ralph Taylor May 2, 2011 at 10:47 AM I just remove my hearing aid and I'm O.K., Bob. Excellent piece my friend. Ralphie

Charles Henderson May 2, 2011 at 10:35 AM I can relate to this. Just recently coyote have started roaming SC and they really cause a ruckus in addition to adding to it.

Carol Sunshine Brown May 2, 2011 at 9:33 AM I enjoyed reading your poetry this morning Bob. I see the weekend was good to you and helped you find the inspiration to write and share your poetry with us. Love, Carol

Linda-Marie Sweetheart May 2, 2011 at 7:45 AM They are so super loud in the hot weather Bob ..we have them all over out here and sometimes it gets to crescendo level .. great explanation in your rhyming luv.. of the noise and the sounds of crickets at play.. great news on the homefront this day .. a day to celebration victory over evil luv..

Andrea Dietrich May 1, 2011 at 10:02 PM hahaha, good one, robert. Been there, done that. I wonder if ear plugs work?? Cool title. LUv, Andrea

James Foulk May 1, 2011 at 8:26 PM i can relate to this one as i can most if not all of your poems. a very funny one. thank you for your comments on the cellar door.

Delysia Hendricks May 1, 2011 at 6:38 PM Shame, man. I bet at dawn the worst of screechers made the new day known: dem damned birds!! I truly and utterly hate birdsong. If you struggle to fall asleep, sit in the back garden with your shotgun and have some fun. Rest well when next you hit the hay. :)

Poet Destroyer A May 1, 2011 at 6:34 PM Bob H., I have a bad sleeping disorder right now... this poem makes lots of sense. .. every detail. . That's how I feel.. truly. Enjoyed. .. p.d.