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Overworked

The Daily Grind

By Rick Henry Christopher Published about 18 hours ago 1 min read
Overworked
Photo by Sander Sammy on Unsplash

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

🥱🥱🥱

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

🥱🥱🥱

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

🥱🥱🥱

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

🥱🥱🥱

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 ❤️

Mental Healthperformance poetrysocial commentary

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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Comments (12)

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  • Sid Aaron Hirjiabout 2 hours ago

    Really relate to this my friend. I wish this got a top story as it is so well done

  • Lana V Lynxabout 10 hours ago

    Stripped it down to the essence nicely, Rick!

  • Komalabout 11 hours ago

    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.

  • Novel Allenabout 13 hours ago

    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.

  • Andrea Corwin about 16 hours ago

    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).

  • Julie Lacksonenabout 16 hours ago

    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. 💜

  • Tiffany Gordonabout 17 hours ago

    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!

  • Sandy Gillmanabout 17 hours ago

    You've really captured that exhausting feeling of the daily grind here 😴

  • Dharrsheena Raja Segarranabout 18 hours ago

    This was so raw and direct. Hope things get better for you. Loved your poem!

  • 😉❤️Great Job Rick!

  • Shirley Belkabout 18 hours ago

    This was absolutely wonderful.

  • Matthew J. Frommabout 18 hours ago

    Why you have to ignite my Sunday scaries Rick

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