Let Me Sleep Now. by MissT

Let me sleep now, not in sorrow,
Not in shame for what I gave.
I’ve been the lifeboat, not the anchor,
And the one they hoped would save.

I’ve wiped up tears that weren’t my own,
Held silence like a prayer.
Played calm while storms destroyed my peace—
They didn’t notice, didn’t care.

I gave my all to half-grown men
Who drank their worth in tins.
Who spoke of love with sugar lips
And smiled throughout their sins.

I mothered boys in grown-up boots,
Lit fires they never fed.
They used my spark to warm their hands
Then left me cold instead.

So let me sleep now, fierce and free,
No longer on my knees.
I’m done with pleasing fragile pride
And begging for some peace.

They drained me with their quiet needs,
Their sulks, their twisted game.
But now I rest, crown on my head,
And they can keep the blame.

I’ve traded guilt for velvet sheets,
Regret for solid ground.
My love’s no longer up for grabs
By every fool around.

So whisper if you think you must—
I’m not your soft reprise.
I’m thunder dressed in lipstick red
With storm behind these eyes.

Let me sleep now. I’ve retired
From fixing every mess.
The next one who approaches me
Can bring respect—no less.

No more projects. No more pets.
No more men who just exist.
I’ll rise tomorrow like a flame—
Like a lantern through the mist.