sleep evades even
the smartest of people
who can see the
terrors of the night
so clearly.
you fear the
darkened shadows
in your door,
the sounds of the
silence.

you are alone.

you fear the people
coming for you
in your dreams,
a disillusioned artist
waiting for
the clock to
strike when your
eyes are closed.

again you begin to run,
run from them
open your eyes
safe
in your room again.

But what if,
your nightmares came
in the day,
and they never
gave you rest
before the next
round?

what if the evil
was your father
or mother
and you were
out of places
to run?

01/05/2004

Author's Note: for a best friend, the insomniacs, and the children whose nightmares will end only in death...

Posted on 01/05/2004
Copyright © 2024 Melinda Sordino