Running on empty

I hate the nights
When sleep just evades me
And my racing mind
Does its best to persuade me
Of everything wrong
That I've been or could be
Locked in with my thoughts
That scream I'll not be free
While trapped in a body
Doing is best to defeat me
I hate the nights
When I'm less than I could be
And I'm all out of fight
But quitting's not in me
So I stare at the ceiling
Like there's answers I should see
Engraved in the paint
That's hanging above me
Instead of just dreaming
Like I wish I could be
I hate the nights
When everything hates me
And even my soul
Is running on empty.

Author's Note

Hoping to be understood clearly

Reviews

[Sameeksha Vadisherla]

I am reminded of this ''It is a bad day, not a bad life''. Beautiful poem, Andra.
'Locked in with my thoughts
That scream I'll not be free' Relatable lines. Never let those inner demons control you.

Powerful poem and thank you for sharing, Andra.
Stay Happy :)

[Andra Davis]

Thank you 😊

[Sameeksha Vadisherla]

Most welcome :)

[mou]

'Hoping to be understood clearly'
- how could one not feel it, understand it...? 'Empty soul at night' speaks to me. You've painted it eloquently, Andra
- mou

[willweb]

I used to be the same way but now I love the night, I relish the sleep and know that, the faster I fall asleep, the faster I get to begin a new day. Maybe I just have a different ceiling. : ) Nicely written.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I wonder if that ceiling has any answers at all....I wonder.
j.

[Andra Davis]

Thanks to all the lovely people who reviewed this.

[DIVYA]

Someone who writes like this can never have a soul that's empty. You take your reader with you on your journey of deep introspection and make them feel your pain and unsurity. You're an amazing poet, dear Andra.

[Dave]

Bad as things may be, I'm reminded of Lincoln's quote after having lost to Stephen Douglas in a debate.
"And this too, shall pass."
Take special good care of yourself - Dave

[Andra Davis]

You're such a kind person. Thank you Dave.

[MEKylie]

I felt this poem. Wish you could do more. You are great! And you're doing just fine, life will soon favor you.

[Desert Knave]

I am a bipolar with a lot of sleep issues, and cannot stand the nights when thinking (not the pleasant kind) gets between me and sleep. Nice write. ~Jim

[Chris]

You describe "our" world fairly well. People 'deal' as only they can and revisit and revisit and revisit their whole lives through.