Tossing and turning, over and over.

Sleep did not come easy last night.

No nightmares or scary dreams,

Unless you count a mismatched outfit

While talking to execs on the elevator…

Just a silly dream, I know.

But sleep was scattered and uneven,

Like there is just something not right.

No thousands of voices screaming,

Not set adrift at sea, just not settled.

Just something amiss, something not right.

So, how did you sleep?

It hung from her mirrored closet doors. She sat on the bed, blowing on her just painted nails as she looked it over. It was one of the most expensive dresses she had ever owned. The white crepe floated gracefully from the hanger; the light fabric lined with supple satin. The short-sleeved beauty was finished with a round neck bejeweled with gold adornments.

She fixed her dark hair and makeup, then unzipped the dress and slid it over her head, careful not to get any foundation on the neck. The dress hit her just at the knee, modest but showed off her legs. She stuck her head out of her room to the hall where her mom paced.

Her mom had a small tear in her eye as her daughter opened the door. She motioned for her to turn around and zipped her up. She turned around again, and her mother smiled and called out, “She’s ready.” Her father rounded the corner, beaming with pride. His daughter was all grown up and ready for the next steps in her life.

The house was abuzz with her grandmother, an aunt, uncle and cousin, and her eldest sister, too. They oohed and ahh-ed at her as she stepped out. She blushed from all the attention. Father looked at his watch, “Time to go.”

She took a deep breath as she slid her feet into her white heeled shoes. Today would be filled with so much emotion, mostly happiness. Her gown hung in the family car as she slid in the back. The family had to take three cars to the ceremony, so they piled in and headed toward the venue.

As they arrived, what seemed like thousands of people milled around. Her father helped her into her gown and her mother placed her stole around her neck. It was the day she’d say goodbye to this phase in her life. It was the day she’d say hello to the future. It was the day she’d cry, not wanting to ever say goodbye. It was the day she’d celebrate.

Graduation day.

Her eyes red, tired, and itchy.

Too many hours between screens today.

Eating bites of pizza between the work.

Finally, the call comes to an end,

Summaries sent out, the rest can wait.

Buzz, buzz, buzz. There’s no escape.

More things to do, responses, follow up.

Finally, she shuts her laptop,

checking out from work for a bit.

She dims the lights, rubs her eyes,

And curls up under a blanket.

A few minutes of relaxation and laughs;

Soon rest will come, if the phone doesn’t ring.

Sweet little blue eyes look my way.

Snuggling in tight,

he can’t resist my thigh.

Moving in close, my leg gets hot.

He looks up and sighs,

Then lays his head on his paw.

Finally finding his spot, he nuzzles a moment,

Then a soft purr, and finally he sleeps.

The vampires, the vampires,

They are at it again.

Their blood-thirst never expires,

They want to get under my skin.

Tastes likes it was made by angels,

One snickers as she bites in,

The other one sinks her fang in well,

The pain makes my patience run thin.

One day I will escape from them all,

Set myself free and fly over the wall.

Eyes glared at the television,

An exhausted sigh escaped her lips.

We’ve allowed this to happen,

The constant stalemate and bickering.

We as in a collective, accepting less,

Allowing voting by party lines, the split;

No longer caring about right, best, fair.

Rolling eyes, disdain, our power is small,

What’s it going to take to break down the wall?

Come dig with me; let’s find buried treasure.

We’ll find riches and gold beyond measure.

Underneath swaying palms is where we’ll stay,

And find a faded map to guide us on our way,

Hidden deep in a granite cave full of sand,

Here I hope you find me and hold my hand.

A serene pool glistens holding crabs and fish,

We’ll dive here for pearls and make a wish.

Full of bounty, baubles and treasures await,

It’s just for us. Finding it is our fate.

Wagging little tails, yips abound,

Soft friendly purrs, meows and paws too.

Today remember the #BettyWhiteChallenge

Give a little love, a small donation, or time,

help a furry friend find their forever home.