How to Go to Sleep (or not)

comfy clothes
favorite blanket
fluff the pillows
lay on the right side
relax
empty your mind–

let the disturbance of unsaid

quips, one liners, ideas, story lines, character motivations,
fantasies wash over you.
Finally gone?
Good.

Flip to the left, flip to your back,
flip to your stomach, back to the right
refluff the pillows stick one foot out
relax
empty your mind–

exuberant anxiety hits
you know that feeling–
you’re going to wake up awesome
make plans, make goals, make lists.
You already feel the awesomenes...

Get up. Eat shredded cheddar.
Pound your head against the wall.
Eat more shredded cheddar.
Back to bed.

Lay on the right side.
Flip to the left, flip to your back,
flip to your stomach, back to the right
refluff the pillows stick one foot out
relax
empty your mind–

Have an imaginary fight
with someone you know.
Have an imaginary fight
with an internet troll.
Have an imaginary fight
with a stranger.
Check the clock– 3:30 a.m.

Lay on the right side.
Flip to the left, flip to your back,
flip to your stomach, back to the right
refluff the pillows stick one foot out
relax
empty your mind

And before you know it–
music plays in the distance
just as he kisses your lips.


***
Yeah! Day one of Napowrimo and also day one of Camp Nanowrimo. I think that break really helped because I was quite productive in the writing department. Of course, there's always this  excitement when starting a challenge. Ask me how it is in the middle of the month.. This poem was inspired by the prompt today at Napowrimo and while you're there check out other participants.