A Rough Night
I heard the bells call
the monks
at Vigils
and briefly considered
rousing myself
to join them.
I didn’t.
I prayed instead,
requesting
comfort for
my loved ones.
At Lauds, the bells
clanged again.
I counted, but lost
track. Were they
fainter, or was I
exhausted from
fretting and praying
for healing
and release?
At Terce, I knew
the other guests were
awake. Moving toward
their prayers. Yet,
I still lay abed
seeking solace and
sleep.
Until finally
at Sext
the bells rang
softly bringing me
peace.
