empty night. busy mind pulling in all directions. witching hr. the time for study and creativity. juices flow. when thoughts collide. people cry. when secrets bite with bitterness. sleep heals. night brings out the crazies. the ones. who cannot sleep. those who. dare not sleep. sirens blare. dappled shades of noise and silence. bright dark world. shadows and spotlights. must stay inside. but rules don't make sense now. must not talk. to strangers but all are strange. the ones. who sleep now are strangest. afraid. hiding, pretending to be safe but only. like a child. with hands over eyes and eyes clenched.