Gulping cups
of sweet, hot tea;
body stays up
on depleting energy.

Heavy eyelids
tap each other
oh God forbid
I succumb to slumber.

Mouth opens
and yawns audibly;
neck weakens
head tilts slowly—

jolt upright.
Must withstand
the call of night
and its beckoning hand.

Lassitude consumes
my remaining vigor;
across the room
awaits torpor.

Soon I plummet
onto the bed;
pillows and blankets
meet my head.

Darkness surrounds;
breaths grow deep;
in absence of sounds,
I fall asleep.