Restless Night

The hour’s late, and I can’t sleep.
My mind rebels at counting sheep.
Sweet dreams are very far away,
and worries surface from the deep.

I lie awake and wait for day.
I close my eyes and try to pray.
If all my faith is spent and lost,
how will I keep my fears at bay?

I wish that I had known the cost
of squandered youth and friendships tossed.
Though wisdom oft is error’s gain,
regret may soon my soul exhaust.

But now against my windowpane
the tap, tap, tap of gentle rain,
a gift to calm my fretful brain.
I’ll soon drift off to sleep again.


1/4/2022
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022

Poem

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Hawley Avatar
January 16, 2022 at 9:04 PM
I hate restless nights, and yes, I know them a little too well. Here is hoping that tonight is not one of them for you.
Awtry Avatar
August 24, 2022 at 10:23 AM
I think it would help if I drank less coffee. But, I'm not sure which is worse, a night without sleep or a day without caffeine... Thank you so much for stopping by. ps
Bowden Avatar
January 14, 2022 at 8:05 PM
I love this, it’s so close to my own heart. Beautifully and poignantly written.
Awtry Avatar
January 15, 2022 at 7:11 AM
Thank you so much Craig! (But I hope you will get a good night’s rest) -ps
Calasibetta Avatar
January 13, 2022 at 2:00 PM
The “tap, tap, tap of gentle rain,” surely the panacea for sleeplessness. Congratulations on your win! Lovely piece. :)Paulette
Awtry Avatar
January 13, 2022 at 2:03 PM
Thank you Paulette! :) ~ps
Kauffman Avatar
January 13, 2022 at 11:32 AM
"Though wisdom oft is error's gain" - what a wonderful line PW. You have so lyrically expressed the many sleepless nights all of us have experienced. Love the lullaby of the rain in the last stanza. Congratulations on your win. Sending joyful serenity for each day of the new year.
Awtry Avatar
January 13, 2022 at 11:34 AM
Thank you for your encouraging comments, Sam :) ~PS Awtry
Romios Avatar
January 6, 2022 at 10:40 AM
A fabulous write. PS a FAV.. a POTD I hope. I do not only rave over poems, usually! Yours is so universal in nature, I really love it. It’s not a Show Off poem at all. It is genuinely you. An outstanding piece. FaV line...I wish I had known the cost of squandered youth and friendships tossed! Done to perfection. Love,Pangie xo
Awtry Avatar
January 6, 2022 at 11:03 AM
Thank you Pangie for your enthusiastic response to this one! And Wow, a FAV--thank you thank you :) ~ps
Horne Avatar
January 6, 2022 at 4:53 AM
i can certainly relate to this one lately
Awtry Avatar
January 6, 2022 at 7:37 AM
Oh, I am sorry to hear that. A good night’s sleep is such a blessing. -ps
Rodrigues Avatar
January 6, 2022 at 4:09 AM
We believe even in the throes of restless sleep. I pray you will find your balance.
Awtry Avatar
January 6, 2022 at 7:36 AM
First night didnt really bother me—I got up and wrote this poem…last night-again!—I am dragging today! Thank you for your kind words. -ps
Mcguire Avatar
January 5, 2022 at 5:25 PM
Very nice P.S.
Awtry Avatar
January 5, 2022 at 5:28 PM
Thank you, Timothy -ps
Flood Avatar
January 5, 2022 at 3:15 PM
My wife marvels at my ability to lay my head on a pillow and go spark out. She says I must have a very clear conscience. Love your depiction of one less lucky than I though. Regarding ‘wisdom oft is error’s gain’, I’ve said a thousand times, ‘if we learn from our mistakes… I should be a genius.’ Nice work P.S. Terry
Awtry Avatar
January 5, 2022 at 3:55 PM
Oh, you're one of those people! As to the mistakes--that makes two of us, a couple of Einsteins! ;) Thanks for stopping by ~ps
George Avatar
January 5, 2022 at 1:17 AM
When we are troubled and lie without sleep, the pitter- patter of rain acts as a lullaby and puts us to sleep ! A beautiful poem, though it has a melancholic tone
Awtry Avatar
January 5, 2022 at 6:13 AM
Yes, for me it was an answer to the prayer. Thank you for your thoughtful comments :) ~ps
Ervin Avatar
January 5, 2022 at 12:14 AM
nice
Awtry Avatar
January 5, 2022 at 6:12 AM
thx :D ~ps
Bowden Avatar
January 4, 2022 at 6:45 PM
I enjoyed this very much. I can relate to it very easily. Well done.
Awtry Avatar
January 4, 2022 at 6:48 PM
Thank you, Craig :)
Wolf Avatar
January 4, 2022 at 6:36 PM
Rain, rain, don't go away. I can't sleep ~ Please come and stay! There you go! :) gw
Wolf Avatar
January 5, 2022 at 5:15 PM
No, no. Your poem is much, much better. My comment is just a toss-off. :)
Awtry Avatar
January 4, 2022 at 6:49 PM
Yes that works quite nicely! Better than my poem! -ps
Leffanta Avatar
January 4, 2022 at 11:06 AM
Well experienced, thought, and done! Enjoyed! Aloha!
Awtry Avatar
January 4, 2022 at 11:07 AM
Hey there, Rico! I'm glad you liked this one. Thank you very much :) ~ps
Pandit Avatar
January 4, 2022 at 6:37 AM
Very well done, PS. Lovely rhythm to your verse.
Awtry Avatar
January 4, 2022 at 8:51 AM
thank you so much Vijay. :) ~ps
Ball Avatar
January 4, 2022 at 6:08 AM
Really nice one P.S. Sometimes when my two big dogs were still with me I would go for a night time walk. That solved everything for me. Loved this. Great imagery and I really like the form. God Bless, JB
Awtry Avatar
January 4, 2022 at 8:54 AM
I have found getting out of bed and doing something other than trying to sleep is best. Thank you for your encouraging words. I am trying out some different forms and appreciate your feedback. :)
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