Lie on pillow, cover ears with pillow, throw pillow to the side.
Stare at celling for thirty minutes
Pretend to be asleep when mother comes to check on small sister.
Wonder if she looks over at me too,
can’t look, said good night three hours ago.

I don’t have insomnia,
I stay up thinking of fantasies, of romances that will never be,
Me and my prince living happily ever after.
I think of world domination and world peace.
I think of that test I failed years ago
I think of how I have no idea what I want to be when I finish school.

Neck tired of facing one side of the bed too long.
Checks time.
Wonders if the light from my phone is contributing to my late nights.
Stares at phone anyway.

My eyes begin to grow heavy
Finally the sandman visits me.
I put my phone on the table next to my bed
Close my eyes.
My mind carries my body to dream city
A place were all sweet dreams and nightmares co-exist

I have a dream about meeting a famous person
I wake up excited
I can’t wait to tell someone
Two minutes later I can’t remember my dream
Sighs heavily.

Mother always complaining I sleep too much
“Why are you always the last to wake up”, she whines
I stare silently at her.
She gives me chores.
I tell myself I am going to sleep early today.
I never do.