Life was perfect before that day
When will I awake no one can say
People used to look now they look away
But look at me now

I don't remember the time that passed
They said I smiled when someone laughed
Most friends I had just did not last
But look at me now

I'm not just sleeping anymore
Things are much harder than before
Do not mistake my gentle gaze
For a misguided child lost in the haze
I'm not just sleeping anymore
I'm not just sleeping anymore

I never used to be scared of myself
My eye stayed open all by itself
Never thought I would need so much help
But look at me now

I sometimes think what's wrong with me
I'm not the person I used to be
I look at life a little differently
But look at me now
So look at me now

I'm not just sleeping anymore
Things are much harder than before
Do not mistake my gentle gaze
For a misguided child lost in the haze
I'm not just sleeping anymore
I'm not just sleeping anymore
______________________

Read the next poem by Sandy, Counting the Homeless Tonight.

Copyright 1998, Keith James Streid