After I work a night shift
In the morning I head home
After hours in dank air
Moist and warm from all these
Sleeping bodies breathing
Their dreams to me
In long slow heaves.
After I work a night shift
I am staring red-eyed into sunrise
Using my last energy to get me home
While the world around me
Awakens refreshed with dew,
And I want only for the dark to return,
To cocoon myself in my dreams.
I drop the drapes, shut the shutters,
And let the air-conditioner's droning
Drown the day-light noises.
written August 1992, edited January 2011
Loved reading this poem. you said a lot of sublime truth of life through a common mundane night shift. well done.
ReplyDeleteI especially love "I am staring red-eyed into sunrise." Good poem, Lillian!
ReplyDeleteI don't think you can truly appreciate sleep until you've worked nights. :-)
ReplyDeleteI don't think I have what it takes to work night shifts ~ just know I'd grow janky; but you actually make it sound attractive.
ReplyDelete"Hey, I resemble those remarks!"
ReplyDeleteSister nightshift poet, This piece and many in yr collection ring true & ring out! Thanx
"Rejoice, rejoice, we have no choice but to carry on." -stills