Why do they hurt? A morning of overwhelming ache Of the day ahead Cleansed with a shower But the voices never fade Afternoons bright with light I've always hated mid-day The evening brings some peace But the fear of night lurks Relax enough as eyes grow dim Sleep permits some fitful peace Dreams and nightmares await The best go far the worst further 3 am wakes with a sweaty start A song or a voice of another brings relief The next few hours are a coin flip of sanity By dawn the battle has wore me weak From restless sleep The twilight mists disappear And the cycle begins again There must be sweet release.