Insomnia

This is a sample poem from my first book, "All my masks"

You see, I do not sleep so well at night
And, in frustration, walk about the bed
And mutter to myself, bewail my plight
And meditate on all the things I said
And all the things I did, and, what is worse
I keep recalling what I meant instead
As I, once more, yesterday's deeds rehearse
My thoughts keep me from sleep, delay my dreams
Till waking hours, where they, like a curse
Deceive me once again, or so it seems
Such introspection does not serve me well
I am not free from these nocturnal themes
Or from the memories I cannot quell
And so, as I remain in darkness, fret
And pace about the room, as in a cell
Await the dawn, some hours remaining yet
No peace I find, nothing to bring respite
Or set my mind at rest, lift this regret
I know I have not done that which is right
You see, I do not sleep so well at night

(c) Edward Rhodes (2011)

If we meet

This is a sample poem from my first book, "All my masks"

So, if we meet again, what should I say?
If I should speak to you, subdue my fear
Should I apologise and walk away
Or linger with excuses, words unclear
And mumbles of regret? Should I decline
To speak to you at all? Wear the veneer
Of sullen, proud, indifference, yet incline
My ear to hear your words, if words you speak
And do not with your silence oppose mine
Arouse in me this melancholy streak
Like that which haunts me, waking every day
Should I deny the tears upon my cheek?
Should I speak gracious words, resolve to pray?
Tell me, if now we meet, what I should say

(c) Edward Rhodes (2011)