Staying Up

When the hour is late
When I'm still awake
Though my body's tired
There's a mental buzz

Trying hard to figure out
What the puzzle really means
All is scrutinized
Though nothing is as it appears

Finding time alone
Sitting here with myself
Is for me a sort of salvation
A chance to practice transcendence

Sooner or later fatigue
Catches up with me
Mind marches on
Weary eyes fall behind

Yet I see how impoverished
My soul would be
Had I not found this
Solace and reprieve and rich repast

Nourishing some deeper self
Solitude serves to strike
Chords deep within my heart
Making music-like memories

Sleep and dream beckon
And await - almost as attractive
As this soul-satisfying
Staying up