I'm not sleeping
because I'm afraid of the nightmares
        I bare
when I'm asleep and no one's there.

I'm not sleeping
because I fear,
in less than a day,
she won't be there
or she'll push me away.

I'm not sleeping
because I think about the things to
        come -
the good and the bad.

The nightmares keep me up.
More attacks on the innocent
to be screened inside.
Mostly in schools,
once underground.
Flaw-full students,
ones with glasses or inconsistent
        tardies.
Or innocent princesses,
animated and have come to life.
Attacks from the power gone evil.
Principals become ******
and evil witches or queens grow
        the size of skyscrapers.

The innocent become meerkats
in the ground when the hyena
appears.
Travel great depths to find the one
to help them save the world.
Wake up before justice is served.

I'm not sleeping
because I can't stop the mare
and save my mind.
Wake up in fear
and then have her push me away.

But I need to sleep
so I don't explode
when I am pushed.

I'm not sleeping
because of fear.

I remember when you said
you'd be there
and would help make my life
"a little easier down the road."

Now you never talk to me
and my care for you has dwindled
into nothingness.

You don't deserve to hear my stories.
Your one-word responses
and interest in my life for just five
        minutes,
they are not getting you anything.

The few years I knew you were great,
but I wonder if they were a lie.
You said you cared, and you were
        there.
But now that I'm older,

you can't spare a care?
Can't spare a helping hand
or helping word?
I thought you were there

like you said you were.
I might see you tomorrow in passing,
but don't expect a great story…
you're gonna hear what everyone else
        hears…

which, I'm sure, is what you want.