Mental Illness Poem

Experiencing Insomnia

I am only 19 and this is the first poem I've ever written. During my many battles with anxiety and insomnia, I put my late night hours into this piece, which gives it a sense of authenticity. It is a poem that almost anyone could relate to, a metaphoric piece based on the struggle of unwanted and persistent thoughts preventing much needed sleep. Although this is my first poem, it has been a product of years of depression, anxiety, and insomnia.

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I love the intimacy between the poet and these "hindrances." The relationship between nature, insomnia and anxiety around the poet at first is inviting, and calming. It isn't until daylight,...

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Music Of Wakefulness

© more by Caitlin L. Stafford

Published by Family Friend Poems January 2018 with permission of the Author.

It is in the dark of night
When insomnia sings me awake
To the tune of lullabies
And the rhythm of mindful blight.

It is the spotlight of the watchful moon
And the flickering of uncertain stars
That cradle my fears
And anxious thoughts they croon.

It is in the view of the sunshine,
Where my unwanted thoughts stem,
Waiting and ripening in my head
Until around my throat they twine.

And echoing in my mind
Is the blissful song of insomnia,
Sewing itself into my skin
As daylight leaves me behind.

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Has this poem touched you? Share your story!
  • Anne E Watmough by Anne E Watmough
  • 4 years ago

Love your poems, Caitlin, and they resonate with me after having long years of mental illness. I love the way you entwine nature with insomnia and yes, the light of the moon and the blanket dark sky. We insomniacs have the pleasure of the night if not tormented inside ourselves. I try to fill my time if I find I am awake, and sometimes I write a poem or two. Catching up on sleep is a must. I would like to read more of your poems!

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  • Jaeger by Jaeger
  • 5 years ago

I love the intimacy between the poet and these "hindrances." The relationship between nature, insomnia and anxiety around the poet at first is inviting, and calming. It isn't until daylight, when you're most exposed, that they reveal their true intentions of horror.

When first reading this, I was really taken aback by these elements. It really goes to show the oddity that is living with yourself. Anxiety has been a big part of my life, not being able to fully communicate with others or express myself the way I wanted to.

I hope that you keep creating more! Thank you for sharing this.

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  • Lea M. Ward by Lea M. Ward
  • 6 years ago

I definitely understand. I am still battling insomnia. I also have anxiety. It feels really great that someone understands. I think these sorts of poems are really important because they let people know they're not alone.

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I'm so glad you were able to relate to my poem! I totally agree that messages like these should be shared. As one of my favorite poets said: "Whatever you're feeling right now, there is a mathematical certainty that someone else is feeling that exact thing. This is not to say you aren't special, this is to say thank God you aren't special." - Neil Corn

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