Glance at the clock as the movie ends.

Time for a drink, but not too much,

or you’ll be up all night.

Open up kindle, pick up where you left off,

read a couple of chapters.

Waken the laptop, check email, Facebook,

reply and comment.

Lock doors and windows,

switch off lights, carry out

bedtime ablutions.

 

Get into bed, punch

pillow into shape,

set the alarm and

turn off bedside light.

Turn on bedside light,

put phone on charge.

Switch off light.

Stare at the ceiling.

Turn over onto left side and

consciously slow down breathing.

Turn over onto right side.

Straighten duvet.

 

Think about conversation

from yesterday morning.

Could you have made

a better response?

Obsess about alternatives.

Sigh.

Turn on bedside light,

start another chapter on kindle.

Move back to beginning of page,

because you’re still thinking

about yesterday.

 

Switch off light.

Switch on light, and

close kindle, put on

bedside table.

Switch off light.

Consider whether you

locked the door.

Turn on light, get up,

go to door and try handle

to be sure.

 

Get back into bed,

switch off light.

Wonder whether the ceiling

needs painting.

Or the walls.

Curl up into foetal position.

Decide the street lights are too bright.

Roll onto other side,

and curl up again.

 

Repeat conversation analysis.

Several more times.

Turn on light.

Read two more chapters.

Read another chapter.

Wake up to find light still on,

kindle open on pillow.

Check clock, nearly 6 AM.

Give up, get up,

fall asleep in chair.