the thoughts that keep me up at night
all engraved in the back of my mind ---
consuming each crack and crevice, not even
giving me the chance to breathe

they ravaged the insides of my flesh, echoing their agony in my bloodstream like a distant note

but i can hear the night.
i can hear it calling me.
i hear the silence.
the  familiar hum of sleeping bodies
the stillness of the wind
the distinct flicker of lamp posts
and empty streets

the quiet of the stars
and the gentleness of the moon

the night. it comforts me.
dark as it may be.
and as i feel peace enveloping my every pore,
i smile.
i close my eyes.

i let it consume me even more.