Trying to adjust (IP)

By Rhiannonw

Wed, 27 Nov 2013
  • 2245 reads
8 comments
 

 

For a long time now, increased confusions

meant he needed help with loo excursions;

so, retiring early to my bed,

with thought of broken sleep ahead,

I fed myself with milky porridge

for drowsiness this should encourage,

and, monitor plugged in, I lay

me down to read and quietly pray;

just once or twice the calls may number

and quickly then resume my slumber,

but sometimes get so wide awake

that next day need a short nap break

– but not too long, or cause continuance

of nightly bouts of insomnolence. 

Two nights a week, one week in eight

off duty – free to stay up late!

[IP: use the first line of Swann's Way: “For a long time, I went to bed early.” in some way]
 

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Comments

Submitted by celticman on

somehow thought there would be more, but enjoyed the little bite of the night.

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Ah, well, that's interesting, but that is where it took me for the time being, just a little 'from the heart' explanation, taking the IP from its 'early' to 'late'! Thanks for read and feedback, Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Bee on

Having recently cared for my father-in-law, I know exactly how this feels - the anticipation of broken nights for nocturnal wanderings and catering for ever urgent needs. Grabbing much needed sleep takes planning. And you are so right, if you take too long a sleep in the day, you don't stand a chance by night. I liked your poem very much, Rhiannon.

Bee

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thank you, Bee. I wasn't sure whether to share my struggles, but felt it might be helpful to be honest and do so. Last night there was no call at all until 7 am! warm regards, Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Denzella on

Hello Rhiannon,

Yes, you did right to share your struggles.  They are something many of us can relate to but sometimes cannot put into words how we feel so your words can help those who don't have your ability.

Moya

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thank you for that, Moya. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by jeand on

Hi Rhiannon

I've never had this problem, which you describe so well. Your caring of your father-in-law was probably as time consuming as dealing with your children as babies, if not more so.

Jean

Jean Day

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thanks, Jean. Yes, of course these night problems are a thing of the past now that he is in a nursing home, though we do keep a monitor on in Mum-in-law's room, but I 'tune-out' her ordinary movements as she doesn't need me for just going to the commode, and just hope and say to shout if she needs us, or use her emergency button. We had a nearly 11 year gap between our 2 'pairs' of children, and then not long after the youngest left the nest, we found the new caring role on us! Rhiannon