Shrouded in weariness that engulfs my senses, and dark so deep only the red glow of the clock on the nightstand hints that my eyes are still open, I cannot sleep. My brain will not rest. I am jealous of the rhythmic snores of my husband asleep beside me; it is only love and the effort involved that keeps me from urging him to roll over. I lay awake listening to the rumble of thunder over the water and think Hollywood Foley artists have gotten very good at their job. I think of getting out of bed to write down the thoughts tumbling through my head with the thunder, but it is late and the alarm is set for an early rise. Then the rain comes, not the gentle rain that brings peace, but fast and heavy, coming in sheets like a waterfall or waves breaking on the shore. I glance at the clock and curse, knowing I'll be shadowed by exhaustion when tomorrow comes. A breeze flutters the curtains and the scent of summer rain fills the room. I close my eyes and hope the waves will lull me to sleep.
~Elise Skidmore ©2021
