Sleep Arrives

Sleep Arrives

Switching off the light,

laying down to sleep

The pillow greets my drowsy head,

hopeful that soon sleep arrives.

I gently surrender

to a welcome resting.

Yet there are some night’s

where sleep is delayed,

I am awake to the sounds of a night’s testing.

Fearful things.

These the melody that night time sings.

Creaking pipes, rattling window frames,

beyond my garden the traffic rumbles on.

I soulfully wonder where precious years have drifted

and where on earth they have all gone?

The noises surrounding become the church sanctuary

They seem to introduce to me the entrance antiphon

that reminds my heart that in my weariness I can still pray.

I think of those like me this night,

restless, fellow weary pilgrims, on their way.

Those sad or burdened by navigating through the journeying,

unable to rest easy, who dread the reintroduction of the new day. 

The penitential rite swiftly follows,

A smothering of mercy,

soothing the howling winds outside, 

quietening the chattering banshee of fear

that in the choking darkness, menacingly hovers.

“Lord I cannot sleep”

my opening collect,

that to the Lord, my shepherd is offered.

He who I entrust each word spoken,

knowing every one of them is heard.

“Speak Lord, your servant listens” 

a conversation continued.

Here scripture is invoked, intoned, whispered.

But what of those others Lord

who are in pain, as my intercessions flow out.

Healing required,

as our brokenness sits in the rooms corner, with a satisfied pout.

Then a Eucharistic,

heartfelt thanksgiving.

Joyfully uttered for care given,

for prayers answered,

for our life that is worth the living.

This dead of night is hushed

for a moment of reverence and remembering’s. 

The Nunc Dimittis echoes throughout my being,

I am thankful for days gone by and for what the new morning brings.

I embrace the night

as my bowing head sinks further into the pillow, sleep arrives.

Fr Patrick Brennan 2022 ©