Tin Can Alarm Clock

I should stop him
one day
just to ask him
why he can't stop.
At 2 am
he still drives on
-feeling his eyes go-
unable to admit
that it is time.

I should find him
when AWOL...
Strap him down,
massage his scalp
until he sleeps.
If that fails
he needs injecting:
Whatever they use 
on large animals
multiplied by 3.

Even, almost, asleep
he writhes... waiting
for nothing.
Outliving the sun
threatening the moon
torturing himself.
Mouthful of beer
after beer
until the cigarette
smoke finds his eyes.

Then, and only then,
will he give 
one last glance at the wall,
roll his eyes
and let cranium fall
heavily on to the pillow.
From here he can wait,
rejecting the dreams 
of alternatives,
but in tune
with the rest.