Frayed Pillow
by Odin Roark

Sleep
Wanders about atop the pillow
Where head toss and clammy skin
Raise havoc with threads once tight
Once held by symmetry’s perfection
Where patterns woven precise and secure
Once lulled a guiltless mind to slumber

Times change
Cotton that once soothed and embraced lovingly
Now affords little beyond tradition
That place where heads recline
Waiting

But nightmares are patient
Knowing well
The hands belonging to the head’s turmoil
Will cover and hide closed eyelids
Until wide-awake defenses exhaust

Few hours will pass unchallenged
Battlement scars will come alive
Clouds will rain down daggers
Pinning blame to the walls of penitence

How miraculous the dawn
When open eyes see clear
The past with earned reprieve
Contrite and humble the focus

How easy to control such an enemy by day
As to night…

Making the bed
The pillow seems spent
Fluffed and propped
Yet ever present
The frayed threads remind
Many sleepless nights endured…remain