The stillness of the evening fills my head with a rush of awareness. I prepare for bed, slowly. I don’t believe sleep will soon be mine. As I peel off my stockings, a warm flow of air from the overhead fan brushes up against my legs. I sit quietly before my mirror to gaze at my reflection as per my crepuscular ritual. The incense filled air only further irritates my bloodshot eyes. I must rub them. In a moment I’m back to the looking glass searching for my own serene soul. I see a lot of pain, albeit the pitch has decreased with minutes upon minutes spent in just this manner. After a time I close my eyes, breathe deep, and concentrate on the void. I feel most peaceful with the white noise of cars passing uncaring outside my window, infiltrating the oppressive silence. My self contained thoughts welcome distraction. My overloaded mind begs for relief. I seek the void for my sanity and purgatorial remission.
***