April 9, 2025 It is just going on 8 p.m. and I’m falling asleep at my desk. It has been rough get sleep this week not sure why. Looking forward to spring break! My brothers would imitate a friend of theirs from boarding school, his nickname was Bump, that would say this or perhaps sing this little ditty that they would act out for us. It always made me laugh and I wonder what it is from? I haven’t found anyone else that knows it, but it goes, “I’m sleepy, sleepy, sleepy and I wanna go to bed! I have taters in my pockets and taters on my head!” Then my brothers would giggle and do this odd kinda dance and keep singing it until we laughed. Sleepy and missing my brother’s laughter and stories of Bump.

Taters in My Pockets and I Want to Go to Bed

Why is sleep so elusive, seductive, and comforting

To contemplate when far away from my bed?

I think of what was lost the night before

Or what is tugging at my sleeve

To go lie down

And drift far away

Into nothing

A pillowy cloud

That startles one

During the day

As you slump or slide

Sideways and flat

Trying to stay upright

And bright

Then in bed

I lie eyes not wanting

To close or stay

Silent as the brain

Wakes up

And shouts shutting out

That cozy warmth

As cold compress

Tightens down

On my leg, knee, head

And sharpens

As I toss

Mourning the loss

Of what I long to have

To sleep quietly

In a satisfied bed

Refreshed not rushed

As dawn peeks

Saying, “wake up sleepy head!”

All night half waking

I give a low growl as dawn’s

Cheery greeting

To roll over

Finally dozing

Five minutes more

Just to bolt

Out of bed

Missing sleep

Until night calls

I fight the drowsy duel

Till I can try once more