Night

I don't shut down at
night
like I'm supposed to

my wary mind
won't submit to the clock's
rules

won't abandon awareness or
succumb to the unconscious
won't surrender life to comatose

I won't let the night win me over

I make the most mistakes
at night
I find the most danger
at night
my judgment is blurred
at night
my darkest thoughts come out
at night

it summons me to its dreamland
where I'm free – released
into the timeless stillness
quiet
running to peaceful escape
I can't be captured
can't be tamed

the soothing night sky and
wild stars beckon me to
stay and gaze at its
magnificence

from dusk til dawn
nature lends me its beauty
the dark keeps me
company, banishes my fear

all it asks in return
is my time
my rest
my sleep