the only time i don't feel the anxiety
is when i'm stuck fast asleep
the shaking of my hands
the incessant demands
of society
proving the effects of anxiety

my head on the pillow
thinking the thoughts i still owe
to today's consciousness
before drifting into thoughtlessness

feeling the reprieve of the sleep
cued by the counting of sheep
except the sheep are my restless thoughts
but thoughts work as well, just as they ought