Overworked
The Daily Grind
I can’t sleep because I’m stressed
My mind won’t slow at night
Work tension keeps me pressed
I’m tired before daylight
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I’m in my bedroom still
This is where I try to rest
I take another pill
My nerves won’t let me settle yet
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I toss and turn again
Too much running through my head
The stress from work is constant
And fills my nights with dread
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The alarm clock rings on time
It’s 7 AM once more
No rest, no peace of mind
I’m exhausted to the core
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Still, I get up out of bed
I brush my teeth and comb my hair
Again I face the day ahead
To battle that grind of daily despair
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This is my entry for the Say It Plainly challenge. This was tough for me because I am one of those poets who loves to use metaphor, symbolism, and poetic color and musicality.
🥱🥱🥱
With Love, RHC ❤️
About the Creator
Rick Henry Christopher
Writing fulfills my need for intellectual stimulus, emotional release, and soothing the bruises of the day.
I’m an open book. I’m not afraid to show my face or speak my mind
Visit on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vocalplusassist
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More stories from Rick Henry Christopher and writers in Poets and other communities.
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Comments (28)
You couldn't say it any more plainly than that!
Congratulations on TS and the Leaderboard!!
back to say grats on ts
Congratulations on Top Story and I recognise this level of tired... ❤️
I had the same challenge on this challenge! I loved this, a universal experience. Most days I wake up with dread and exclaim I hate this job and if younger me could see I fell for the necessity of a dollar sign…well said. You spoke so much without saying it all.
Back to say congratulations on your Top Story! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
Congratulations on your Top Story ❤️ 🎊 🎊
So relatable..
So relatable I think this is a strong entry for this challenge!
💗💗 .💗💗.💗💗💗💗 💙💗🌹 LOVE🌹💛💗 💙❤🌹 LOVE 🌹💛💗 💙💗🌹 LOVE🌹💛💗 💚💚💚 .💗💚 💚💚💛
🌼I felt the Paradox in the line "I'm tired before daylight." It is a poignant, ironic statement. It's that feeling of being fed up when rest doesn't do what it's supposed to. It captures that detached feeling you get when you're truly exhausted. This is brilliant.
Wooohooooo congratulations on your Leaderboard placement! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
I am feeling what you are feeling. Excellent work and congratulations 🎊 Ruck!!!
Congrats on making leaderboard, Rick!!
This really sings to the pressure of routines and responsibilities. Nicely done, my friend. Hope you get some uninterrupted rest soon!
I like how it works so well without the bells and whistles. Relatable for many, Rick. 😊
Really relate to this my friend. I wish this got a top story as it is so well done
Stripped it down to the essence nicely, Rick!
This hits hard in a very real! This is literally adult life —that feeling when your alarm goes off and you just stare at the ceiling like “bro I just closed my eyes???” 😭 And somehow we still get up. Kinda wild how surviving the workday becomes the main quest sometimes.
I wrote a few, then forgot about the symbolism and such, had to remove them, So I get it. How are you really. I read the poem feeling the restraint you had to use for such a truthful admitting. It must be double hard with all thats going on externally as well. Be well my friend, try the military style of calming yourself from your feet, relaxing your body gradually while tuning out the world. Hugs and prayers.
Nice job, Rick. Guess what? Your poem describes the day for many workers, but also for retired people. The mind won't shut off…and we feel we MUST get up and do something productive (write or read on Vocal? LOL).
I know what you mean. It's hard to just "say it plainly!" I'm back to work tomorrow after spring break. The last quarter is always the most difficult, so I can relate to this. 💜
Nicely done, RHC! Refraining from metaphors was tough for me too. :) Congrats on your 'Haiku of Now' challenge placement as well. 🥳 I really enjoyed it!
You've really captured that exhausting feeling of the daily grind here 😴
This was so raw and direct. Hope things get better for you. Loved your poem!