Insomnia University
As a child I listened to the clattering arrhythmia of elevated subway trains
Listened to the throttled urgency of a late-night bus and the piercing sirens of a police cars
while winter wind blew hard against rusted metal fire escapes
and windows with chipping paint drew deep breaths as if they might shatter
exposing the chill of a decrepit city in the hours when the owls flew
Today, alone with restless body and absent of the brothers and sisters
with whom I shared hidden conversations and whims of the wee hours
I sit listening to the howling wind outside my cave
The bite of cold encroaching on the remains of a dying fire
while the Earth spins within the darkness
We are the restless souls
Guardians of the peaceful sleep
of the unconscious river binding souls together
We who purify the dreams of others
We of Insomnia University
Sharing the world’s wisdom with night owls across the waves of time and space
Sweeping dirt from streets and dreams
Preparing the day for our innocent sleeping children
© JEB 2019
Wow!
Joseph, that is beautifully written.
This is so utterly beautiful, Joey – every phrase, every striking pair of words, every metaphor, every feeling. And this “category” of human states – like “insomnia university.” I love it.
This sets the mood for a perfect day for me. Thanks Joey.