in exchange for a box of thin mints

night bleeds into sunlight
and sleep is yanked from my eyes
waking brings
throbbing bristles of pressure
pulsating.
i can’t breathe.
covers, twisted around my neck, back
hands
move swiftly tearing away warmth
i am not ready
i have not been ready
each day brings a new wave
Of discomfort
night brings no relief
22 little heads filled with thoughts
careening into my hands
i am weary of this
i am weary of it all

rinse and repeat
rinse and repeat
rinse and repeat
ad nauseum

rinse and

a sparkling, gap toothed
smile
warmth sprinkling across
two small dimples
i smile in return
and this smile
ignites 22 other little smiles
glinting across my heart