Sleep Is Hard To Come By Nowadays

And, now I lay me down to sleep,
For another wretched night of counting sheep!
Lord, should I expire before I awake,
Please allow me some zzzzzzzzs for heavens sake!

The cat has leaped upon the bed,
And snuggles closely nigh my head,
Purring as loud as a Mack truck diesel engine,
Then bounces on my chest like a frenzied injun!

The neighbors' worthless mutts begin their nightly serenade.
It sounds as if outside my window there's a whole brigade!
For awhile things settle down and all is as quiet as a mouse,
Until I'm awakened by the thunderous snoring of my spouse!

The blaring klaxon of the midnight freight is heard a mile away.
The inconsiderate engineer lays on the horn as if it were a runaway.
To top it all the crickets begin their atonal chirping prattle.
I'm beginning to think a good nights sleep is a losing battle!

I shove ear plugs in my ears but they don't do a bit of good.
The clock strikes three so it looks like sleep ain't a liklihood.
Lord, again I make a plea that should I decease before I wake,
Please, won't you allow me some zzzzzzzzs for heavens sake!

Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

Poem

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De Beaulieu Avatar
November 11, 2016 at 3:17 PM
Yep! There are some nights that I can not sleep.Looks like we are in the same boat.I enjoyed your poetry Robert.
A   Avatar
October 5, 2016 at 7:58 PM
I fell like this, Bob, a very good poem to share. love how you end the poem. LINDA
Hinshaw Avatar
October 6, 2016 at 2:04 PM
Always great to hear from you, Linda. Thx for taking time to read the poem and your always gracious comments - bob h
DiMino Avatar
October 5, 2016 at 7:38 PM
Hilarious! I can relate. Even got the cat. 7 for sure!
Onclaud Avatar
October 4, 2016 at 9:05 AM
right on the dot, bob... lol, i am a victim of night owl's curse--including ear plugging.. what a spectacular read!..huggs
Bauer Avatar
October 3, 2016 at 8:01 PM
this is very funny, bob, but it sure strikes a nerve! feel free to give me a call at 3 a.m. - i'm up, too! (and not too happy about it, either). great poem...
Vaso Avatar
October 3, 2016 at 7:32 PM
Now I can surely relate to this! Great write!
Turner Avatar
October 3, 2016 at 4:49 PM
Very funny, Mr Bob. You'll just have to start napping in the afternoon. That's what I do. Really a fun read!
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