We do not drift into dreams

but tumble headlong

into darkness

spending our days

in safe avoidance

while nightfall

sees us tumble

over every edge

sleep becomes a pit

of restlessness

and our ears listen at alert

for familiar sounds

that no longer wander

through our silence

we sink away from the world

a terrifying flight

with no soft landing

waiting our weariness – Caroline A. Slee