day THIRTY NINE

Sleep

I was awake

I wanted to be asleep

but, I was awake

every shout from the street

was electric

I tossed regrouped

my pillows

and sighed deep.

I was awake

and I wanted to be asleep

the September sun

was unholy warm

I wriggled and wormed

under the static cling

sheet.

I was awake

and I wanted to be asleep

every curse word

was aimed at the street.

It was on Sunday

an anti-me day

awake and flailing for sleep

waving the sheep in

calling all z’s

I am awake

and wish to be asleep.

The air conditioner

whirled too loud

I adjusted my ear plugs

the useless ear plugs,

what was I left of think.

I was awake

and wanted to be asleep

I flung my middle fingers

skyward

it is Sunday

for Christ sake

and the whole block was

alive the entire block

of blockheads couldn’t

yell at each other enough.

What the fuck

you hacks!

I am awake and I want

to be asleep.

            --Matthew Sradeja