Summary

"In and out" is a poem that uses the rhythm of breathing to evoke the sensory experiences and ambient sounds that accompany the transition into sleep.

Abstract

The poem "In and out" captures the essence of a peaceful night, intertwining the natural rhythm of breath with the sounds and scents that fill the air. It paints a vivid picture of a serene environment, from the laughter of children to the smell of smoke and the warmth of a spring night. The poem emphasizes the act of mindful breathing, pulling the reader back to the present moment amidst the distractions of life. It culminates in the quieting of the world and the softening of sounds as sleep approaches, with the gentle in and out of breath serving as a constant anchor.

Opinions

The poem suggests that the act of breathing can be a grounding practice amidst the cacophony of life.
It conveys a sense of contentment and comfort in the familiar nighttime sounds and activities.
The author seems to appreciate the subtle interplay between human activities and the natural world, as indicated by the mention of the forbidden smoke and the heat of a spring night.
There is a hint of humor in the description of the upstairs neighbor's nocturnal activities, possibly implying that such disturbances can be incorporated into the sleep routine.
The poem reflects on the passage of time and the individual's journey towards sleep, acknowledging that sleep may be elusive but the focus on breathing helps.
It acknowledges the solitude of the late-night hours, with references to an empty chair and someone sauntering in ready for bed, suggesting a shared yet solitary human experience.

In and out

A poem to help lull you to sleep

Gentle breaths grow deeper and more pronounced

a polite snore asks if it may join the evening sounds

In and out

The sound of laughter, a group of kids out late chatting

The smell of forbidden smoke wafts through the window

In and then out

I pull myself back to breathing.

Back to the now and here and

In and out

Heat of a spring night masquerading as summer

And a tug on the blanket that we don’t need now

In and out

The creaking of our upstairs neighbor bowling before bed,

Or maybe hosting a greyhound race that soon, too, quiets

In and out

Arms and the love therein envelop me

A grunt then breath deepens some more

In and out

Cars pass and so does time and I’m

no sleepier… it's okay just focus on

the in and out

Someone’s tv entertains an empty chair and

Someone saunters in late and ready for bed

In and out

Diming is the symphony around me

I’ll end here because sleep pulls me

In and then out