Another Night (Poetry)

Another night alone again
locked in darkness — lost to pain
passing weary ache to ache
and no respite for pity’s sake

The hours stretch unmeasured here
distorted cruel they last a year
exhaustion drags its ball and chain
and every whisper knows my name

For there are ghosts that leer and gibe
sneer — relentlessly deride
unsettle — turn truth inside out
and plant the niggling seeds of doubt

The ‘what ifs’ sprout — they jungle round
fast-growing wild as heartbeats pound
small stubborn drums in time with fear
till shadows run — Dawn’s troops appear

And with the light thin rays of hope
crawl down that flimsy rescue rope
then rebel life suggests some plan
so instinct grabs it while it can