#87 don't yawn

i stare 

through the glow from my alarm clock

at sleepless ceiling 

stressed

i try deep-breathing

ovine counting

relaxing

but trying to relax 

is like pushing yarn

i resort to praying

with

and without

expletives

then

the sleep-deprived ceiling

offers a suggestion

i try my hardest to stay awake

to keep my eyes staring

through the neon light

and

i fight sleep

like the 10 year-old me

willing my eyelids 

to stay open with dad's

for the tv

third...  

third period

and just...