tired

i'm tired
it's an exhaustion that permeates my attempts to clear my mind
wrings me out like an old washcloth
leaves me feeling almost empty

i'm falling asleep
and every time I shut my eyes
i lose a little bit more of myself
to the cavernous feeling
of this unfailing exhaustion
that cannot be solved
with a long nap
or a revised sleeping schedule

i'm tired
but don't let me sleep