For When You Cannot Sleep

Brucha At Yah,

Ruach Ha Olam

Blessed Steady Breath,

It is the middle of the night and I am awake. 

My brain will not stop:

I fret, I plan, I pine.

So I read, I pee, I pet the cat

But nothing works. 

Tell me a story,

Something familiar and soothing,

Nothing real:

Comfort and stupefy me. 

Then make this night like Shabbat 

With no before or after

And nothing to worry about

Besides my blankets. 

I close my eyes for this holy conversation 

And ask that every breath becomes a soothing prayer

And ask for a quiet heart,

And imagine that I sleep. 

Amen.