Sleepless

By Shreya Madambath

Here in a train seat, lying down,

I wonder about the incessant thoughts

crossing my mind, rendering me sleepless.

I think back to the old days; the innocent childhood and the wonder that kept me awake.

I think about the rhythm of my heart, 

the silent wonder that made me keep my eyes open in even the darkest of nights.

At near midnight, I still lay with my eyes open.

My eyelids, hooded and heavy.

I seek home.

The nights away have kept me awake.

The nights away have made me sleepless.

I seek home and my mother's warmth.

The warmth of my covers and the warmth of her love.

The warmth of my family, which keeps me safe, protected.

I wonder about my childhood, the innocent days, 

lying sleepless in the berth of a train.

By Shreya Madambath