The Owl

I have become like him; nocturnal. 
Prematurely anaesthetised by exhaustion 
then jerked awake into the darkness. 
How long since I have slept 'til dawn? 
A stifled yawn veiling scurrying thoughts. 

Tennis match of emotions; back and forth; 
volleying, lobbing this way and that. 
The game, set and match of insomnia. 
Then rallying forth as dawn brings clarity. 
Despairing disparity sleeping finally. 

The silence of the night amplifies my heartbeat. 
Each breath echoes in the unsettled gloom. 
As the dawn casts its ghostly light around the room 
sleepless wakefulness wanes with the retiring moon, 
and the owl rests, fatigued by his 'whooing'. 

Unlike me he can sleep by day, the night is his time, 
not mine; I am the intruder in the darkness; 
a restless insomniac with an overactive brain. 
Sleep well majestic wise one.  No doubt, 
when night falls, I will share your company again.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2008

Poem

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Gifford Avatar
June 16, 2025 at 10:36 PM
Hello Helen, this is beautifully done. Insomnia is not a nice thing. I hope things have improved. Have a great day.
Radford Avatar
June 17, 2025 at 10:52 PM
Thank you Zyrool and yes my life is much more settled and happy than it was in 2008 when I lay awake with the owl. Thank you for your kind comments.
Brown Avatar
November 12, 2010 at 11:33 AM
Congratulations on your poetry X2 making it through the first round of the Poetrysoup site contest Helen. The best to you in the finals. Love, Carol
Peranteau Avatar
November 10, 2010 at 2:51 PM
A well thought out and understood write dear poet ! Congratulations on its feature ! much love, james
Brown Avatar
November 8, 2010 at 10:08 AM
Congratulations on your poem being featured this week Helen. Love, Carol
Gumbo Avatar
May 24, 2009 at 7:31 AM
oh Helen! Another great write! I like the assembly of words and your rhythm! Well done.
Bickerstaffe Avatar
December 10, 2008 at 12:35 AM
Helen: Thanks so much for your reviews! I am most grateful... K.
Winter Avatar
December 7, 2008 at 6:20 AM
I go through bouts of insomnia myself and can relate so well. Of course I could never express it as perfectly as you did here. Each verse is a truth I live, on those horrid nights. Hoping you finally get a good nights sleep. Amazing poetry as always. Love, Shar
Jordan Avatar
December 7, 2008 at 4:28 AM
Helen I appreciate the open honesty regarding oneself in this poem - Very well written - God Bless, MJ
Reynolds Avatar
December 7, 2008 at 3:53 AM
Wow, that is no fun. I always got insomnia while pregnant, and it was horrible! Helen, this was so beautilly written, may sleep be yours tonight. love, Kristin
Bickerstaffe Avatar
December 6, 2008 at 11:24 PM
Great language... I love 'dawn/yawn' and 'clarity/disparity.' Insomnia is no joke... so well expressed! Best wishes, Keith
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