Night’s Decision

Some nights my restless mind entangles shreds
of plans that failed
and tasks not done
with sleepless dreams so need for resting dreads
daybreak.

I sense a depth to darkness that seems more
than lack of light
as night awaits
time's pendulum to shift its swing before
daybreak.

Cold silence roars to keep my fears awake.
As night draws long
the hours stretch
and horror threatens that it will forsake
daybreak.

I huddle in a knot against the chill
of discontent
sleep could ignore
and struggle with the blanket's weight until
daybreak.

But if a peaceful sleep can capture my
fatigue, and wrap
my thoughts and plans
in warming calm, hope won't delay
daybreak.

As the intensity of dark abates
I hear birds sing
and traffic sounds
and rested spirit smilingly awaits
daybreak.

Important matters of the day can't stir
till I decide
in pensive mood
if sleep provided grim or cheerier
daybreak.