The Night Was

While, in a fitful and restless night’s sleep,

And when the strength of the mind

Is at risk, exciting a dark imagination,

The sweating head becomes thin and opaque.

And instead of nourishment,

From displaced energy is reaped vulnerability,

Until the unconscious finds worldly visions,

Anticipating in dreams vast riches,

The hoped for renewal of a joy for life,

That no night terror could eradicate,

And when, in the morning, all is forgotten.