SOMNUS

Much like his twin brother

Somnus plagues me

He torments and teases

Rubs sand and prickly glass shards into my eyes

He says to me, “Dream…dream…rest your weary mind

Or you’ll find tomorrow to be most unkind.”

But I am only sent black images, which have soared from an ivory gate

And always I awaken with wetness coating my cheeks

Darkness hides its identity

I let it dry, as I lie waiting for any sign of morning

But…

Somnus always returns

He glides in when the owls begin to stir

His cloak floating behind him with stars catching the moonlight

Ever so proud that his father is Nyx

I’ve tried to fight him

But he wraps lengthy unfeeling fingers round my neck

His breath whispers down my spine

“My brother Thanatos will be here soon.

And I guarantee that from Death, you are not immune.”

My resolve always fades

And I drift off

Into a fitful respite

Pointless.

Well…

I have something to say to you, Lord of my Dreams!

GET OUT OF MY HEAD

You do not belong here with me

And I don’t need you

So take your cloak of stars and torture another poor soul

Let me return to my blissfully sleepless nights

And when the day comes

I will happily greet your brother