As I Lie Awake by Kailey Wong (16, California)

My prostrate form lies
weak and trembling
Sleep evades my feeble grasp
my hands fall
to my sides
limp and empty

---

I gasp for breath
as silent sobs
leave my chest.
My entire body shakes,
I silently beg
for relief.

The sadness remains,
a stabbing pain
in my heart.
Tears stream down my face,
a waterfall that is endless,
unabating.

I await mercy
wide-eyed with anguish,
but unseeing
as I lie awake
waiting for Darkness
to whisk me away.