It’s dark out and my eyes close
But sleep refuses to come to me
.
For the world feels like a dangerous place
and my head is filled with worries
.
In this time there seems to be
no happiness
Only fear, dread, and a sense of distress
And in isolation, we feel trapped
.
I get out of bed and stare outside
and see the moon staring back
.
Even in this darkness she still shines
.
I lay back down and close my eyes
and sleep comes and finds me
.
For I know someday, the world will heal
and this monotonous life at home will end
So for now, I will be waiting
until I can be free again
.
Joanna Lee
English 110 Honors Spring 2020 
What initially drew me to your poem was the picture, which I think is so simplistic yet powerful. I loved how you used the moon as a symbol for hope and perseverance, as it will consistently shine through hardships. I also appreciated that you started out with the things that were plaguing your mind and making it hard to sleep, moving into a calmer, more hopeful tone. It allowed the poem to end on a positive note, reminding the reader that this frightening time will pass.
Sarina Simpson
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Joanna,
I really appreciate the shift in tone, where initially it was a little less hopeful, as it ended on a more optimistic note. I think this poem effectively relates to how everyone is feeling, as it’s quite difficult to feel hopeful for the future, yet we know this will end at some point. I think the title and image connect very well also, symbolizing how through all this chaos, there is a glimmer of light shining through. I also really appreciated the rhyme scheme, as that tended to, for the most part, elucidate the tone and mood quite well. Thank you for this poem.
-Adam Bonar
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This poem had such descriptive imagery and was truly relatable. I was hooked in the first two lines where you wrote, “it’s dark out and my eyes close, but sleep refuses to come to me,” because in this quarantine my own sleep schedule has been sporadic and I find myself not being able to fall asleep. The feeling of being trapped is something many people are feeling right now but the positive take on it towards the end of the piece is a great way to look at the situation. I really enjoyed how you found comfort in the moon because even surrounded by darkness it shines, so during this time of darkness you have to keep shining. Overall, it was a very well written piece and is relevant to the time we are living in today.
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