Many a nights I
Find myself trying
To catch sleep through
A steady stream of tears,

But sleep eludes me.

The increased heart beats
Pound my chest too loudly.
My breathing is too uneven.

My mind wanders back to
The reason for the tears and
It starts all over again.

If, as you say, I’m not allowed
To cry, then give me reason not to.

Perhaps that is too much to
Ask for. Perhaps not.

As my light dims, I finish.
Finish with my thoughts,
Finish with my tears. But
Not, alas, for the search for sleep.