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amid the chaos
by Chris Sorrenti
there is clarity
i eat a banana
glass of milk
half a lorazepam
reset button of sorts
to keep the
within / without
at bay
yet still they come
some nights
every hour
on the hour
a few delight
others entertain
those that frighten
deserve a cigarette
or two or three
the cats
sleep away from me
when I am like this
unless loved ones come to call
at a garden party
under a reassuring sun
laughter and gaiety
regale all around
though I don’t recognize anyone
but my mother sits close by
and the pain in my heart
i feel during the day
for a little while
goes away
after a time
she abruptly stands up
says it’s time for her to go
and with her own unique brand
of wry humor
in a hesitant smile
states she doesn’t think
i am ready to follow
where she has to go
next day
i catch a few winks
on the bus in the morning
then again
on the way home
in the afternoon
a few more zzzs
during my lunch break
where for whatever reason
in these places
the dreams do not come
getting me rested
for tonight
and the ones ahead
© 2012
1,820 hits as of August 2026
09/10/2012
Author's Note: The second opening poem in This, That, And A Few Other Things, following the opening piece, Prequel.
Posted on 09/11/2012
Copyright © 2026 Chris Sorrenti
| Member Comments on this Poem |
| Posted by George Hoerner on 09/11/12 at 01:18 AM I like this Chris. My wife with my doctors help have me on something so that I am not so "depressed". What ever that means. Now being 3/4's I am not sure how you can not be depressed but I don't really believe I am. I don't remember much in the way of dreams if I have them. I accept life as it is although I'd love to be able to change a few things. Take care. |
| Posted by Kristina Woodhill on 09/11/12 at 04:14 AM Man, sleep and dreams - I can feel the chaos in this routine - age messes with my nights, but I am not visited by nightmares. I like your inclusion of the cats giving a wide berth at these times. The garden party with your mom is intriguing. I like the physical structure of this piece and the irony of your catnaps on the bus that get your prepared for the coming night(mares). |
| Posted by A. Paige White on 09/11/12 at 04:34 AM This one is really interesting to me since I had some kind of dream last night that stayed with me all day during the day following. Never could actually remember the dream itself, but had dejavuish moments several times an hour all day. It didn't seem nightmarish, but it's like the dream has haunted my day today and I don't like that. This poem has the same feel, like your day was haunted as well. It feels better just knowing I'm not the only one. Normally I don't have trouble getting to sleep, but here I am... reading your poetry about not sleeping at night and napping in the day... |
| Posted by Christel Crews on 09/12/12 at 01:37 AM dreams have a way of keeping the rest we so desperately need just beyond reach. i'm a dreamer and often wake up throughout the night because of something i dreamt. sending rest-filled thoughts your way.. |
| Posted by Joan Serratelli on 09/16/12 at 02:33 PM I take Klonopin (clonazapam) or I'd NEVER sleep. I do not dream. The last time I dreamt,I had a very "surreal" visit from my late parents. I woke up feeling somewhat consoled; believing they were still part of my everyday life. Your poems are always awesome. |
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