Slowly embraced by the darkness, soft and warm it spreads its wings across my dreams.

My breathing slow and steady searching for momentary peace to my racing thoughts

Their frantic leaping from one anxiety laden concern to the next

Ripping the sleep I seek

From my mind.

An endless procession of lonely nights seems to stretch sightlessly into the future.

Forcing me to rise in recognition of the further futility of attempted sleep.

Catches in my breath a reminder of the long absent peace of mind.

My jaws clinched, their muscles aching, tight as stone beneath my skin

Shoulder muscles frozen in a permanent hunch

Looking heavenward unconscious of unspoken prayers yet soothed

By the rise of my chin and the thrust of my jaw