The Elusive One

Euphemism for insomnia.

The darkness is numbing,
But there's no way out.
My mind screams wake up
but I'm already awake.
The Elusive one
Is an illusion
That became real.
People suggest various remedies,
None of which work.
They don't understand
What every night is like.
They think it's so simple,
Just close your eyes and wait.
But the waiting is torture,
For sleep never comes.
I lie in bed at night,
Contemplating everything
From philosophy to recipes.
But sleep never comes.
Come daylight,
The nightmare continues.
Sleep becomes a privilege,
A thing of legend.
Sleep becomes a price
That never can be won.
Sleep is like a treasure,
That promise fortune and joy,
A treasure that you can never claim.
It becomes a beautiful field yonder,
That you can never reach.
Sleep becomes a beautiful siren,
Singing nobody to sleep.
It becomes a world of its own
That you can never visit.
When you think
That you'll never get a taste,
Sleep pays a visit,
But never for long.
When people dream for hours,
You agonize for days.
Every ounce of sleep is treasured,
'cause you never know
If it will ever return.
Sleep is like a shadow,
Intangible and elusive,
Yet ever present, ever in your sight.
Sleep is a blessing
But I have been cursed.
Sleep is the friend
That never visits you.
Sleep is the lover
That never really cared.
Sleep is like a river
When you're lost in the desert.
Sleep is a paradise,
When you're stuck in hell.

Author's Note

As always, let me know what you think.