Sleepless Night

I lie awake; my heart is full of pain
that even healing sleep cannot erase.
My knotted thoughts all jostle for a place
within the crowded corners of my brain.

Where lies escape? Will anybody tell
me how to fight this battle to its end?
Will old acquaintances still call me friend
when I have nothing left to give or sell?

Will any brother clear my clouded sight
or any sister smooth my worried brow?
Does anybody care about me now
or wonder if I struggle in the night?

Ten thousand questions trouble me, until
the dawn—then comes the answer: Peace, be still.