ON NOT BEING ABLE TO SLEEP, January 1998

So late the night, so long the hours.
Restless I sit and ponder why
My mind will not let go of
All the daytime thoughts and
Feelings, emotions racing
Through my restless limbs.
My limbs? Yes. For that is
Where I feel the thousand
Slings and arrows of my
Own unworthiness. To die,
To sleep, no more – even my
Own words desert me at such
A thought. Sleep – is it Lethe
That is calling, that strange
River of forgetfulness? Or would I
Rather take the better path
Of giving my mind into
God’s untiring love, to lead
Me gently into that blissful
Ease of rest? Oh God, my God,
Take me now, for it is you
I seek in sleepless dark.

JEB

For more information on these poems, contact edmund@balnaves.org