In the dark hours
the black pit opens
yawning jaws
have intent grim.
Demons lurk
fingers flexing
yellow-bellied monsters
offer their embrace.
Regrets from the past
fears for the future
groping for every
undefined concern.
Breathe deeply
breathe again
for all will be fine
come the dawn.
~~~~~~~~
Image credit: Muhammed Hassan @ Unsplash
The image shows a woman whose face has black streaks of mascara on her cheeks. She wears a sad expression and has her hands placed on her head.
Written in response to Sadje‘s What Do You See #136 photo prompt
luna's on line 
I’ve experienced insomnia and it is a monster indeed. Thanks Chris for joining in with this beautifully written poem.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Sadje! It’s a poem which speaks of my almost nightly companion. At least sometimes it’s plotting a story that keeps me awake. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome! Over crowding of thoughts can do that to us.
LikeLiked by 1 person
[…] Insomnia — luna’s on line […]
LikeLiked by 1 person
it can certainly be a beast!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Isn’t it just!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Battle with insomnia is tough to deal with…an excellent interpretation of the prompt Chris!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Radhika!
LikeLike
the 3rd stanza speaks of so much of why I can’t sleep at night sometime.. (lol)
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s the way my mind scratches away for something new to worry about that’s the killer for me!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on NEW BLOG HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for sharing, Michael. I do appreciate! 😊🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you as well for posting, Chris! Enjoy a beautiful week! xx Michael
LikeLiked by 1 person
You too, Michael!🌻
LikeLike
I am reading what lies beneath here, Chris – the black dog sniffing at the door again, searching for the hole to slip through and enter into your soul.
Great poem.
LikeLiked by 1 person
How beautifully put, Chris! Such a poetic response – I thank you. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just glad I made sense!
LikeLiked by 1 person
More than making sense, you made me jealous of those words, Chris 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’ve painted the demon very clearly, I hope it doesn’t keep me awake tonight
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope so too, Deb.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great description, Chris.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Maria!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen! I always breathe consciously, though I love the black colour. 😉💖👍
LikeLiked by 1 person
Whatever it takes to quiet the restless mind! 😊🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person
Demons lurk
fingers flexing
yellow-bellied monsters
offer their embrace.
You’ve personified a health problem here. Fantastic!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks very much, Reena!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love this powerful poem 💕 Insomnia sucks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Doesn’t it just!
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Reena Saxena and commented:
Insomnia … by Chris Hall
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful description… but there is hope with the dawn.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fortunately! 🙂
LikeLike
Sad memories, ghostly feelings and a wonderful poem in one writing. I love it. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Lamittan!
LikeLike
You’re most welcome, dear Chris ❤
LikeLike
I can identify with this Chris.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sorry that’s the case, Di.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Luckily not so much now.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s insomnia, all right. Not being able to sleep is just awful
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is pretty miserable, but last night I managed to push the demon aside and work on my wip novel in my head.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beat that demon severely about the head and shoulders with your wip!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love that image, Liz!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Chris!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Or you could try tossing and turning, Chris! It doesn’t really help, but feels like it should be doing something! 😃
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh no, Luna wouldn’t like that! 😹
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah, yes… I can see that now! 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
They do lurk in the dark…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep, just waiting for the moment to pounce!
LikeLike
Ah yes, we really do have to breathe. Poignant poem, Chris.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Breathing does help, but a bad bout requires the dawn! Thanks, Jude 🙂
LikeLike
I like the last stanza best. Everything truly does seem to be worse at night!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly! The following day, I always think: ‘why was I worrying about that?’ My night-time mindset is so different.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amazing how that works, isn’t it?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amazing and frustrating!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Of all my health issues, insomnia isn’t one of them. You remind me why that is such a blessing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Long may you remain that way, but sorry for the others, Jacqui.
I was excited to read your newsletter today. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can relate to your poem, Chris! I love this.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m pleased you like the poem, but sorry that you recognise the situation, Eugenia.
LikeLike
Oh my, Chris, this really captures how awful insomnia is. I am so glad I don’t suffer from this condition.
LikeLiked by 1 person
May it always remain so, Robbie!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a powerful, visceral poem, Chris. Insomnia is such a monster. My poor little grandson suffers from it and my heart aches for him. Ugh. I don’t have this problem. I just read until I pass out and my book whacks me in the face.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such a shame for your grandson. At least my insomnia didn’t develop until I was about 40.
Take care you don’t have a ‘Kindle incident’ when dropping off, Diana!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Chris. It’s rather jarring when my kindle smacks me in the nose.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know! 😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh! Groan..Insomnia is a beast! Your poem beautifully captures the horrors of insomnia, Chris!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Cheryl. Having first-hand experience helps a writer (unfortunately in this case).
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful 😊
LikeLike
Brilliantly captured, Chris! Thankfully, after too many weeks, I’ve managed to have three nights free from the beast 🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person
Three nights is a small triumph! After Liz’s comment somewhere above, I’m visualising myself swatting the worries away with a rolled up manuscript. It’s even worked a bit!! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
[…] Chris Hall; Insomnia […]
LikeLiked by 1 person
I often feel I have not slept if I have not drempt. But there are those dreams where we are not in control. They can be scary indeed. Especially when you change who you are from one vision to the next!
I have to get up and go into another room sometimes just to distract myself and put distance from the nightmares…
LikeLiked by 1 person
The dreams I remember are the ones I have just before I wake in the morning. I had one rather disquieting one today and I know it’s going to linger with me all morning. 😩
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh dear. With those kinds of dreams… best to get some kind of distraction. I had an odd one where I was at some kind of shop and saw the details of all the products. I’ve been trying to get rid of things! Not aquire more!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Perfectly rendered, Chris. Horrible for those who suffer.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks very much, Matthew!
LikeLiked by 1 person