Warfare of the Brain
Nocturnal Habits

I don't bother to sleep early anymore.

I don't want to sleep early anymore.

Something about the deep far reaches

Into the night keeps on drawing me in.

The pitch-black that wraps around me, comfortingly.

The silence that permeates my ears in a lullaby.

The moon and the stars that,

Although hidden by the clouds,

Watches over me from above.

I lay motionless yet restless in the satin tendrils of my bed.

Sleep stays for only four to six hours.

My vivid dreams no longer visit me like they used to.

When the dawn comes, I easily snap awake at the first sound.

And throughout the day,

The question of "Why?" plagues my being.

Why can't I sleep?

Why don't I want to sleep?

Why do I stay awake into the recesses of the night?

Is it because of the routine days that force me back to reality?

Is it because of the unknown that awaits in my future?

Is it because of my untameable emotions

Fueling the fire, the light, inside me?

Is it because of my numerous thoughts that haunt me,

Lurking below the surface of consciousness,

Waiting for the right time to strike?

No, this has nothing to do with that accursed phone of mine.

My body needs rest, but my mind says no.

My soul needs peace, but my heart says no.

My throbbing head needs a temporary coma,

But my consciousness says no.

These days I've resorted to afternoon naps,

Much to my parent's chagrin.

The irony of their sleep patterns,

However, does not give them any right.

And although I replace deep sleep that entraps me in its clutches,

It is not the same as in the night.

The perfect slumber that I've longed for:

I cannot replace it.

My logic cries out in protest,

But it is silenced by my feelings.

Will I ever replace it?

Will I ever know what exactly it is I am replaceing?

"Never mind," the night says.

It beckons me, tempts me, lures me

In the most satisfying ways.

"Stay a bit longer with me," it whispers.

"Let me comfort and soothe your aching, weary,

Dying, hollow, empty self."

"I am so tired," my self responds.

"I do as you say,

But the calm you have promised me

Does not come."

"Let's try again;

Please do to me as you wish."