squeals
on train tracks
through me tonight
a discordant cacophony
jangles   these
jumpy nerves
through cold  corners
dread steadily
rises to meet
the digital clock that  
flashes
another sleepless  hour
on this  
high old ceiling
that still needs  crown moldings
just want to stay
marooned in bed
trepidation
an arm’s length
away  
tucked inside
my fuzzy slippers