She sleeps

so soundly,

but I don’t

because

I don’t know how.

There’s too much

pounding

in my brain,

ringing

in my ears.

And there’s

ache

in

my hands,

wrists,

hips,

and feet.

I can’t stop

thinking

about how night wraps up

all around me,

us,

and how eventually

it wins.

Takes everything.

Makes it dark.

And so

at night,

I battle.

Fight it

as best I can.

But it’s hard

with the way

spirits line up

alongside the bed.

Waiting.

Thank God,

she doesn’t hear them,

see them,

feel them,

and she sleeps

so soundly.  

~ KJ