I am from a not-happy place.

Tears in the night and harsh words

were my lullabyes

as I huddled under blankets dark,

close, tight against my face.

I am wrapped in them,

trapped-

I can barely breathe

and can never leave their safety again.

Keep the world out-

let me disappear

as I lie here with tears in my eyes.

Sleep is the only thing that knows

my hiding place.

Come to me, Sleep,

but let me stay in this warm embrace-

the only hug, only warmth,

only love

that I can find

in this very not-happy place.

By Amber Bourland