Digital clock spills its green glow
upon cherry-grained nightstand
Surprised by the insignificance
of time in early morning darkness
Window glazed against the cold
allowing the barest hint of moon
To seep around its curtained edges,
diffusing into a burning softness
Darkened door, ajar slightly
enough to admit wooden creaks
To pass through muddied waters
of night, sound the only movement
A dance of sleeplessness
in the blackened blue
Photograph: Abstract Blue Pattern by Petr Kratochvil via Public Domain Pictures. Used with permission.
Glynn, I seriously learn so much from you.
ReplyDeleteThis was very cool.....I don't "do well" in those middle of the night hours. It's when my brain takes over even when I try so hard to shut it off.
ReplyDeleteI am going to try to focus on the simplicity you've shared here....
Love this:
"Surprised by the insignificance
of time"
I like your use of couplets and the concrete details you use to set the mood, which is also reflected in the image.
ReplyDelete"Surprised by the insignificance / of time" stands out.
great capture of the quiet, less illumined hours of life...or should I say minutes.
ReplyDeletePosted at 4:32 a.m.
ReplyDeleteSometimes the mind just won't shut down, will it? Very good visual picture of insomnia.
Wonderful.
ReplyDeleteSince retirement, I have jettisoned all digital clocks. I have no idea how night is passing until the plaintive sounds of a distant muezzin, calling the Muslim faithful to prayer. Then I know I have another hour until 6:30 morning Mass!
I really like how the couplets and line breaks emphasize the slowness of the stillness of those sleepless hours. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteof course, it is at it's best with
ReplyDeleteall words together...which is
wonderful.
however, these are my favorite lines...
Window glazed against the cold
allowing the barest hint of moon
A dance of sleeplessness
in the blackened blue
I think I saw the clock every hour last night.
ReplyDeleteThis pegged my night perfectly.
Perfect illustration of insomnia!
insomnia isn't nearly so attractive here ....
ReplyDeleteI struggle with insomnia Glynn, and this puts it in a whole new light. If I can still my mind to see the beauty (instead of the endless circular thoughts), perhaps I will find sleep.
ReplyDeleteThank you for so beautifully describing my night too! -- and yup -- we were writing together!
ReplyDeleteHugs -- hope you sleep soundly tonight.
I'm with Maureen. My favorite phrase is "surprised by the insignificance of time." That's a great one.
ReplyDelete