
the sleeplessness prevailed like it did for so many older adults
but added to it was my multitude of health problems
sleep visited but yet it was fleeting
But I Had A Secret
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each time it returned it bought me pieces of a dream
I didn’t know what it meant
yet it came and went again
But I had a secret
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in dreams it bought back memories of a healthy me
but when I woke up, I was a broken version of myself
yet it came and went again
But I had a secret
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I dreamed in pieces of life that I cherished
the happy times that I shared
when I would awaken, I would feel the tug on my abdomen
But I had a secret
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it was unsettling that I would feel the oxygen in my nose
and feel my intestines that protruded out of my abdomen
I was no longer the person that I was
But I had a secret
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I missed the person I once was
I held close the cherished memories that revealed, whom I was previously
we have to expect with age our lives will change, with loss of our physical abilities
I would sleep to escape the reality of my broken body with a deep sleep that I enjoyed
when I would awaken, I would work on acceptance of the new broken person I had become physically
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About the Creator
Susan Payton
I love to write in every venue. I am 75 years old and try to make every day count,. I am learning a great deal about poetry on Vocal, and I am glad to be here.

Comments (1)
Your poem was so poignant and profound. Your last two lines were my favourite. Loved your poem!