Sleep is the peak of luxury.

Down time

Rest

To be free from stress

Taken for granted

Used and thrown away

Like band-aids over reality

But band-aids wear out easily

There’s the girl staying home because she can’t work

Trying to keep nine siblings together

As her older brother struggles to stay free

And earn money for the family

Sleep is the peak of luxury.

There’s the young man in Europe, terrified as he watches debates

Trying to find a job

Trying to bring his mom, dad, and sister to safety

Sleep is the peak of luxury.

There’s the woman with cancer,

Crying alone because her family left her,

The only loved ones who call are 3000 miles away

Sleep is the peak of luxury.

There’s a boy on a raft,

Hoping it doesn’t tip over,

Remembering his mother’s face as she handed over the money

For a service that could kill her and her family

Sleep is the peak of luxury.

There’s the teenager lying in the dark,

Wishing he could just fit in

Wishing he didn’t use the crutch or the glasses

Or have the 15 surgeries

Sleep is the peak of luxury.

There’s the woman with a knife cutting deep into her skin

Watching the blood as it seeps down her skin

Imagining a bridge and a plummet toward the water,

Not  imagining breaking free, only the calm of the darkness of death

Sleep is the peak of luxury.

Sleep is the peak of luxury

So cherish it

Remember it

Even if no dreams visit
The very thing itself is all that you need.