As darkness drapes
Her technicolour dreamcoat
Around my shoulders
I face the interminable struggle
To submit
To become supine

As the enigmatic elves
Of evensong
Chant their tantalising lyrics
I face the impossible endeavour
To stop listening
To resist participation

The quiet but persistent
Pulsation of the day
Seamlessly transmutes into
The evening’s jamboree
The salacious spree
Where sleep’s estrangement
Gives rise to
The indomitable beat
And my restless feet

My determined
Dawn promise
To succumb
To an early and sensible
Noctural withdrawal
Is once again
Proved hollow.