Just a little something that dripped from my pen before doing Wordle at 12:01 AM.
The mental prompt for this, a phrase that sprang to mind shortly after succumbing to the need for sleep: “a country that has lost its minds and hearts.”
Cardio at Midnight
Sweat-soaked, shaking
from a half-remembered dream:
a frantic quest for keys
clutched in a bloody fist,
for glasses worn atop
a severed head, and for
a barely beating heart,
devoid of hope
but full of dread.
They say, “Sleep on it,” but sometimes it’s good not to do that. Did I have nightmares last night? No. Will you, now?
Holly Jahangiri is the author of Trockle, illustrated by Jordan Vinyard; A Puppy, Not a Guppy, illustrated by Ryan Shaw; and the newest release: A New Leaf for Lyle, illustrated by Carrie Salazar.
She draws inspiration from her family, from her own childhood adventures (some of which only happened in her overactive imagination), and from readers both young and young-at-heart. She lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband, J.J., whose love and encouragement make writing books twice the fun.
Copyright © 1998-2024 Holly Jahangiri
Nothing on this website may be used without prior written consent of the author and owner.
Cardio at Midnight is a great title – I’ve had more than one of those late-night sessions. I hope you haven’t planted a dream worm. 🙂
I hope I haven’t, too! I got it out of my system and slept like a log after writing that last night. Good poetry is relatable, but I’m kind of sorry so many can relate, sometimes.
Wow!!! Way better than Wordle…
Donna: Click for my 2025 A-Z Blog
LOL – thank you! (It’s “Connections” driving me nuts, lately. Or, as I said to a friend who also plays, “Know what rhymes with ‘Wyna Liu’?” His reply, “Sadistic b****?” Well, close enough.)
Loved the poem. So relatable.
Thank you! I’m glad this is so relatable and sorry at the same time!
Terrific, Holly. How vivid and how real that felt!
Ok, I’d have to admit – this would definitely give me a nightmare if this was the last thing I’d read before going to bed.
Esha
https://mysoultalks.com/c-chakras-the-wheels-of-life-atozchallenge2025/
😁 Thank you! Not my intention to give anyone nightmares!
Interesting title.