Splayed across the ravaged hills and valleys
of a tormented bed,
Solitary in the night’s still hours,
I lay in fear of the advancing army of thought.
Unable to maintain the day’s protection,
Built laboriously, layer upon layer,
Or to hide in the trenches of false bravado,
I tremble in anticipation
Of the inevitable forward march.
A reach for the bedside lamp
Brings meager illumination of
Ego’s fleeting shadows.
The quilt lovingly sewn of childhood’s garments
Offers small comfort
Against the battle of voices
Raging in my head.
The volume increases incrementally
Until I am forced to hear,
I am forced to listen,
To their shouts of self-doubt.
Fear overtakes me,
A full scale attack,
As I pull the coverlet over my head
Praying for the light of dawn.

You used to keep me safe.