3 A.M.
Tossing and turning, head spinning
The brain working at speeds
Higher than the most productive days
Spitting out toxic, unhealthy thoughts
Shaming
Accusing
Relentlessly taunting
4 A.M.
Eyes wide open, trying to silence the mind
Knowing a poor night’s sleep
Is often the start of a downward spiral
The shadow of the black dog looming
Suffocating
Drowning
Endlessly falling
5 A.M.
Anger rising, turning aggressively in bed
The voices continue to blame and chastise
Challenging my ability to live my life when I
Can’t even manage a restful night
Fuming
Crying
Intensely feeling
6 A.M.
Mind slowing down, eyes feeling heavy
Fatigue dawns on me as the panic of
Needing to wake in an hour also sets in
Drifting in and out of a wakeful sleep
Dozing
Disorienting
Restlessly drifting
7 A.M.
The alarm sounds, the day must continue
Rising from bed, going through the motions
I throw on some clothes and grab all that is needed
Make it through the door towards a day that’s waiting.
Pretending
Concealing
Barely functioning
The sun shines brightly
Shedding hope on the dark night behind
These nights that have become so familiar
These nights that only I know.
The warmth breaks down the fatigue
Letting in a glimmer of hope.
New thoughts echoing clearly:
Be patient. Have Trust.
This soon will pass.