19 Comments
User's avatar
Anthony Head's avatar

richly composed and evocative.

Tonya Morton's avatar

Thanks so much, Anthony!

Paul Vlachos's avatar

Such a great piece - and it resonates...

Tabby Ivy's avatar

oh those blissfull, afternoon naps, heavy with the weight of abandon

Tonya Morton's avatar

Yes, exactly! They're the most wonderful thing...

Constance's avatar

This was so clearly written. Honest, clean, nerve racking, a bit. To think this was the way it was for you. The oppositional strength so proud, as well as tormenting. Cirrus clouds spread thin. Like them, I loved the frailty and expansiveness. I so appreciated the tidiness and breath in this work, Tonya. Your voice feels perfect here for what is being revealed.

Tonya Morton's avatar

I'm so glad the piece spoke to you, Connie. Thanks so much, as always, for your kind and receptive reading.

John M.'s avatar

This was so good. Felt like I was right there. As my grandfather used to say, 'you can sure spin a yarn'. Thanks, Tonya.

Tonya Morton's avatar

Thank you, John! I'm so glad you enjoyed it.

The Magpie Chronicles's avatar

Gorgeous

Thank you for putting it all so beautifully

This often unattractive life.

Tonya Morton's avatar

Thank you, Sebastian! The only good thing to do with sleeplessness, or anything equally exasperating, is to make some kind of art out of it. I'm so glad the piece spoke to you.

Ellen Fagan's avatar

So beautiful, Tonya! Always a pleasure to take a wander in your beautifully-expressed memories. I related closely to that orange band of light, though that is from my current digs & not my childhood home. You made me grateful to realize that lately I have been drifting off to effortless sleep right after the book I am reading starts jettisoning towards my face. Thanks, honey.

Tonya Morton's avatar

Definitely be grateful for that! I go through periods where sleep is easy, and then periods when it's harder. The challenge is always acceptance. Thanks so much, Ellen.

Constance's avatar

Ellen, priceless. "after the book I am reading starts jettisoning towards my face." I always get it in the neck. Tucking the chin assists.

Ellen Fagan's avatar

Will try to remember that tuck for future evenings! Xoxo

Brad's avatar

Beautiful essay, just what I needed to read this morning. Thanks.

Tonya Morton's avatar

I'm happy it spoke to you today! Thanks so much, Brad

tim steckline's avatar

i find my ease/unease in getting to sleep directly correlates to what kinds of worries i have that night. the one time i approve of hakuna matata.

Tonya Morton's avatar

Yep, that's about right. I haven't ever tried an earworm before, but it isn't a bad idea. I could see Hakuna Matata, in particular, being intrusive enough to push away some serious worrying.