A Siege on Sleep
written by: Kim Smyth
The nightly turmoil I’ve so come to dread
At times I think I’d be better off dead
Than lie awake here while all else are sleeping
It makes me want sometimes to start weeping
From my hyperacusis to hubby’s loud snore
To my long-nailed doggies clicking the floor
Who scratch and lick to get out the door
Although it is partially open.
Tossing and turning, trying to go under
Finally succumbing only to awaken from slumber
By snoring, or coughing, or some other fit
He makes me uncomfortable just a wee bit
Oh, who am I kidding, I’m mad as a wet hen
Once more I try laying my head down again
The snoring begins and I cover my ears
Yet nothing is working, I’m almost in tears
I’ve tried everything from plugs to fine oils
Headphones, pillows, it’s taking a toll
Nothing it seems can stop the icepick pain
My eardrum feels like it might explode again
I’ve left them before sleeping sound in the bed
To seek solace elsewhere, to the guestroom I head
Then just as I feel myself starting to drift
I wake to the sound of some sort of rift
The cat is now fighting the enemy in the yard
I shut my eyes tight, I try really hard
Now the doggies are wanting to get in THIS room
I curse as I get up, sensing the doom
Of another night robbed of the sleep I so need
When from this nightmare will I ever be freed?
I get up and go to the couch to try there
Arranging my blankets, pillow, and chair
Reading until I grow sleepy once more
I move all my things and lay down on the floor
What’s that now? Some jingle I’ve heard
Running round in my head and I think, “How absurd!
Get out stupid song, so I can just sleep!”
When finally, I feel myself sinking down deep
I curse the alarm as it suddenly starts beeping
So fricking mad that I’m close to just weeping
I hear him get up, as the shower starts to splatter
He enters the room later saying, “What’s the matter?”
I give him a look that says, “Can’t you just guess?”
Then drag myself up and go start to get dressed.
My night is now over, this battle I’ve lost
I really need sleep now, no matter the cost
Maybe I’ll nap sometime later today
Oh, who am I kidding, I know there’s no way
No one can help me I’m starting to think
This war on no sleep will drive me to drink
Maybe tonight with a fine glass of wine,
I’ll find myself dreaming of something divine
Until then I try to get on with my day
I sit down at my computer, start plugging away
While dreaming of stories I shut my eyes tight
The next thing you know, I’m out like a light!
- A Siege on Sleep - December 11, 2020
