Monkey Mind

three a.m and wide awake
my monkey mind wants to play
in vain I try to parent it down
from above, hanging from the jungle gym rungs
my monkey is stubborn

and swings away with thoughts
long like vines
at furious speeds
her primate hands grabbing
at past shames
and future worries
anxiety is her preferred fruit
fueling my monkey’s circus circuitry

minutes turn to hours
finally my monkey tires and rests
all worn out, limbs aching
her nocturnal hijinks complete
five a.m, released I drift back to sleep