Those Taunting Voices
What calls me in the darkest night,
a faint whisper, a stirring voice from where,
that keeps me at the edge of sleep,
tossing and turning, no dreams to keep.
Just as my mind recedes
into the soft pliable web of slumber,
I feel that free fall, and those voices begin,
whispers at first, then demands akin to pleas.
I resist their affronts, their cold interference,
but they haunt my striving mind,
seeking silence and oblivion,
yet they persist for my opinion.
And then when I with regret, relent,
and my mind in sharp attention seeks,
this silence of an empty room pervades,
and I now awake and focussed cave,
and frustration rises.
They take me by the throat and shake,
each night as sleep draws me down,
and when I accept their attention,
not a word they speak, not a single sound.
This taunting is a paradox,
from my belief and their pointed grief,
yet still they hover over my wretched flesh,
claiming time to soothe their itch.
And so I ask for respite,
perhaps a daytime plight I can address,
to leave me find slumber’s gift at night,
and my opinion if they must, by light.
No voice then stirred as sun fell to night,
and often a question will be put forth,
but not by night these restless spirits ache,
and I find sleep without that constant drone, forsake.
Wouldn’t it be nice if death were as silent as sleep,
for us left here to meet, on our terms,
as open minds are driven to speak,
to those lost in realms, and seeking to complete.
Tony DeLorger © 2016
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Oh my gosh, Tony! Lost souls will find an empath to call to for help or understanding. Get a sleep machine! I got one and it helps me to fall asleep listening to pleasant sounds or soothing music. Your very well-penned verse describes exactly what it is like to be so in touch with the spiritual realms and not able to shut out unwanted voices. Powerful thoughts, dear poet.
Thanks Phyllis, the problem is not so dramatic now. I worked as a medium for many years and taught groups etc, but nowadays I prefer to live life for this experience and use my knowledge for the written word. I know more than a few who had no control and ultimate ended up in psychiatric facilities. Glad you appreciated the verse. Cheers!
I often wonder if you sleep, your pen always flowing…I have always imagined, not so much. You have really learned how to redirect the taunting, as you put it, to such good use, to give inspiration to others. Interesting piece Tony. Thank you.
Best,
Mel
Thanks Mel, yes it’s a wonder I get any sleep at all. lol . But I do and have learned how to extract words from myself, no matter the time of place. Glad you appreciate it.