I Am Light But Wake in Darkness

We don't dream cause we don't sleep
I peep into him briefly
And see
Yeah

He's like me

Rolling the sheets late at night
Hot
Cold
Sweat adds a spice

Old and ripe

Usually I hop in the shower
Sit and think in the bath
Hours
Beckon the sun
Eyelids lag as I cower

But I start my day with a jog and some jabs
The bag ripped
Some more tape I gotta add
Slip out of more sweat
Take another bath

Get a couple calls and texts
Before nine AM
Eat some leftover ramen
Swollen noodles taste golden

Package all the food that was cooking all night
Foils to separate
A taste for the homeless
I take a bite

Make a list of things I have to do today
Add to said preparations as I read in dismay
Pray to the voice that keeps us from decay
Smile at the tasks pointing my way

Purpose is not easy
Suffering so readily displayed
How can one be happy
When so many have no say?

Well I do.

Light enters through windows opened
I soak it in
Reminded that night is now resting solemn
Many smiles pour through the cynicism of no sleep
I greet the day
And challenges that will strengthen them
And me.