There was a time that the nighttime brought me comfort

Under the warm closeness of its protective blanket

the day’s trials faded to insignificance.

Its soothing silence cancelling the noise of negativity

But this is a new day, the old norms no longer apply.

Now with so many assaults vying for prominence

The darkness has lost its ability to protect me

Once the ultimate refuge, a place of safe retreat

Now a fearful place, where my greatest fears lie in wait

Again, and again I wake, alone in the darkness

Without another’s gentle touch

To calm the flutter in my heart.