Waking Three Times

it’s the darkest hour of the night
third time, I’ve woken from fevered dreams
sweating into my pillow
even though the room is cold

can’t get back to sleep
same thoughts running non-stop
through my fevered brain
tossing and turning in vain

sleep takes me eventually
dog barking wakes me
before I’m ready to rise
bright light pains my sensitive eyes

time to go make coffee
slowly bring my hazy brain online
welcome a brand new day
perhaps a little work and play

until tonight’s waking three times

–LE – 1/26/25