for the insomniac
that doesn’t get R.E.M.
is something hacked
in the brain stem?
wired for sound
from white noise
to black silence
the inner voices
and outer static
neighbors parties
sirens screaming
but melatonin is
disturbing dreaming
rolls and turns
pillow punches
kick off the covers
stop caffeine lunches!
street light glare
sweats sticky heat
brrrrr… cold in there
need somethin’ to eat
like warm milk ‘n toast—
squishy ear plugs
blinder masks
sleeping drugs
or counting tasks
jumping sheep— why?
bite me, little tsetse fly
the late, late TV sadness
means no sleep madness
for the insomniac
sleep— precious
sleep
wherefore art thou, zee’s?
troysherdahl 