Sleep, Where Are You? Poem by John A'Hern

Sleep is something we take for granted
Bedtime calls when Sandman contacted.
As children, a strict bedtime
Sleepy or not we obeyed the rule.

The lucky few that sleep soundly
The Sandman keeps his promise.
Mornings arrive much too quickly
Now we struggle to leave sleep behind.

Morning light stirs the senses,
Blunder around looking for what
Peace and quiet will do for a start,
Early morning hours, normal for some.

Time drifts by ever so slowly,
Another day beckons.
Stagger around doing your best
Hallucinations taking over.

Bleary eyes rubbed quite often
Friends all comment on the problem.
Another night approaches,
Brain near explosion.

Time for bed a yawn takes over,
Crawl between sheets with favourite pillow,
Laying there staring at blank ceiling,
Eyes flicker and start closing.

Jump awake stare at clock,
Minutes show just been dozing,
Toss and turn squirm and groan,
Lost in sleep deprivation.