A sleepless bed grows bloodshot eyes––
cracked pavement sclera, stems hardwired,
blink-less blooms of flood and fire,
surrounded by barbed wire,
spiked perimeters on the attack.
Insomnia is a Venus flytrap,
hungry for the images daylight dreads.
Sepal swords drawn before a steeple,
each peeper vaulted in its own pulpit,
but deprivation’s no cathedral,
and penitential prayers will not blind
a buried-alive mind,
fed by fear’s fertilizer, serving hard time
inside the garden of bloodshot eyes.
© 2022 | K.Hartless
Yard Sale of Thoughts 
Powerful descriptions here, K! Your choices of imagery always leap off the page ❤
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Oh, this is just the perfect comment to read after a long day. Thank you, Tom. 💜
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Very spooky! A great response to the artwork!
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Thank you, worms. Sleep has been scarce this week, but I have a long weekend to look forward to some writing and real rest. 💜
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Great poem! I really liked the lines “Insomnia is a Venus flytrap” and “deprivation’s no cathedral”
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Thank you, Nicole. I definitely struggle with insomnia, especially during times of stress. I try to be kind with myself when sleep doesn’t come right away.
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Solid, solid imagery, K, beautifully melded into one strong poem. Ekphrastics at its BEST. Thanks!
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This is so kind thank you, Ron. My mind likes a diving board, but it sure makes it’s own splash. I appreciate this comment very much.
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Stunning language, K. I adore how you’ve related and connected all of these different syllable forms. Lovely.
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Thank you, Jeff. It was fun to play a bit, and just see if I could keep my readers awake. I appreciate your thoughts and reactions so very much. 💜
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You’re welcome, K. I enjoy very much how you play with language, the juxtapositions you use are brilliant. So much fun. 💜
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Certainly catches the angst of insomnia!
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Yes. It’s a frustrating feeling and one that doesn’t improve with anger. Thanks for commenting, VJ.
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Know it all too well. You’re welcome
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Wonderful images – great response to the artwork.
‘Insomnia is a Venus flytrap,
hungry for the images daylight dreads.’ – fabulous lines.
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Thank you, Marion. It feels unnatural to be woken from a deep sleep and be unable to free yourself from the anxiety. I appreciate your kind comments.
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Love the words and the new music, thank you for always inspiring me!
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You capture well how it feels to lie there and “want to sleep” . Great images.
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Insomnia couldn’t be described in better words! Excellent write.
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