I picture oceans.
I inhale the tide, and exhale the undertow.

I count sheep.
One, two, three... I am distracted by thoughts of mattress commercials.

I drink warm milk.
There is a film around the rim of my "Congrats Grad!" coffee cup.

I scan the channels.
Whether it be the television, or my psyche.

I readjust.
Fetal position? Stretched out? Nothing seems pleasant enough.

I think of nothing.
I focus too hard on not thinking of anything to truly clear my mind.

I play soft music.
My love of singing only hinders my progress.

Don't.Look.At.The.Clock.

Ten, thirty, sixty minutes pass.
I remain awake.

I urge my body to relax.
I beg my brain to submit.

On the floor, my dog kicks her legs at invisible prey.
Her eyes are closed, and she appears to be smiling.
This may be an insomnia-fueled hallucination.
Regardless, I am envious of her.

...My

.........eyes

............finally

.......fall

...closed.

An obnoxious train outside my wndow hollers at me.
My semi-sedated state interrupted.

I wonder, will I ever sleep?