deeply swaddled
in troubled sleep

covered in
blankets
soaked
with woe

vast crushing stones
of daytime vexations
wring out
the very last
drops of aching
night sweats

a constricting
conscience

strangles
the possibility
of rest

eruptive
violent
struggles

subverts

a desperate
restoration

this damnable
listless sleep

yet in the
nadir of torment

as another
bleak daybreak
creeps closer

a fluttering
voice
hovers
to whisper
courageous
dreamscapes
into my
drowsy ear

"don't be afraid,
I am with you
commanding
the help of
an army
of angels
10,000
strong!"

these are
the days
of miracles
and wonder

don't cry
no more

Paul Simon:
Boy in the Bubble

Happy Birthday
Paul Simon

Jacobs Dream
Marc Chagall

jbm
Oakland
10/13/11