these woods are deep

Thomas hardy
bores you to tears.
he's near
the top of the list
of sleeping
pill books.
tess of the d'aubervilles
brings you
to your knees
like mustard
gas during world
war one.
but you've promised
that you'll
read it.
so you plow through.
each page
a lead weight
taking all your strength
turn it.
for years you've
held this book in
your hands,
starting over and over
again.
but these woods are
deep. and there are
miles and miles
to go before you sleep.