Hollow Wishes Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

I am without sleep...
Most times.
Not from an unrest,
I can not explain.
But from a creative process...
Absorbing my mind,
Where these thoughts are contained.

If I am not there to please your needs...
Know that my desires are there.
There is this 'thing' that takes hold of me.
And I become hypnotized,
Like a victim undeclared.

Know that I want to share with you,
I do.
But I am committed to gifts,
I can not ignore.
And the seriousness of this affliction...
I was born with and do adore.

Even though I am without sleep...
Most times.
At all times,
I am not without gratitude.
So forgive me if it seems,
You are not included...
In those dreams I must make real.

Please do not feel neglected.
I must reveal the me reflected.
And if I don't produce...
My life would be reduced,
To hollow wishes.
And those I can not validate...
Creatively enough to share,
As evidence of my presence.