Ode to Insomnia

There are many such as I
who through the age-long night
begrudge the fleeting day
with straying thought
and fervent, whirring brain
must while those hours away
slow, sullen and dark
and oh how ponderous
each one an age
How laggardly the book
of time turns on
from page to page
free from restraint
My thoughts have wandered
from joys to bitter grief
No shackles have they known
Yet they bring me no relief
One minute gone
and lo - another hour
has slowly passed away
But - I cannot rest
I cannot sleep
So give me back the day!