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Overworked

The Daily Grind

By Rick Henry Christopher Published 15 days ago 1 min read
Top Story - March 2026
Overworked
Photo by Sander Sammy on Unsplash

I can’t sleep because I’m stressed

My mind won’t slow at night

Work tension keeps me pressed

I’m tired before daylight

🥱🥱🥱

I’m in my bedroom still

This is where I try to rest

I take another pill

My nerves won’t let me settle yet

🥱🥱🥱

I toss and turn again

Too much running through my head

The stress from work is constant

And fills my nights with dread

🥱🥱🥱

The alarm clock rings on time

It’s 7 AM once more

No rest, no peace of mind

I’m exhausted to the core

🥱🥱🥱

Still, I get up out of bed

I brush my teeth and comb my hair

Again I face the day ahead

To battle that grind of daily despair

🥱🥱🥱

This is my entry for the Say It Plainly challenge. This was tough for me because I am one of those poets who loves to use metaphor, symbolism, and poetic color and musicality.

🥱🥱🥱

With Love, RHC ❤️

Mental Healthperformance poetrysocial commentary

About the Creator

Rick Henry Christopher

Writing fulfills my need for intellectual stimulus, emotional release, and soothing the bruises of the day.

I’m an open book. I’m not afraid to show my face or speak my mind

Visit on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vocalplusassist

Reader insights

Outstanding

Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!

Top insights

  1. Heartfelt and relatable

    The story invoked strong personal emotions

  2. Compelling and original writing

    Creative use of language & vocab

  3. Easy to read and follow

    Well-structured & engaging content

  1. Masterful proofreading

    Zero grammar & spelling mistakes

  2. On-point and relevant

    Writing reflected the title & theme

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Comments (34)

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  • John R. Godwin3 days ago

    It's so relatable that it feels like I wrote it. That feeling of exhaustion coupled with the inability to sleep is absolutely brutal. Then waking and knowing you're in for a day of fatigue. You convey the worn out feeling so well. Also, get some sleep. You deserve it!

  • Queen f5 days ago

    Well done.

  • Manisha Dhalani6 days ago

    In the same boat. Congrats on top story!

  • congratulations on top story and saying how the daily grind really wears down the spirit.

  • Ahh yes! I know that feeling well. 🥺

  • Amir Husen9 days ago

    Congratulations

  • Jason Morton10 days ago

    You couldn't say it any more plainly than that!

  • Andrea Corwin 10 days ago

    Congratulations on TS and the Leaderboard!!

  • Sid Aaron Hirji11 days ago

    back to say grats on ts

  • Rachel Robbins11 days ago

    Congratulations on Top Story and I recognise this level of tired... ❤️

  • Cali Loria11 days ago

    I had the same challenge on this challenge! I loved this, a universal experience. Most days I wake up with dread and exclaim I hate this job and if younger me could see I fell for the necessity of a dollar sign…well said. You spoke so much without saying it all.

  • Back to say congratulations on your Top Story! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊

  • Congratulations on your Top Story ❤️ 🎊 🎊

  • Tina D. Lopez11 days ago

    So relatable..

  • So relatable I think this is a strong entry for this challenge!

  • 💗💗 .💗💗.💗💗💗💗 💙💗🌹 LOVE🌹💛💗 💙❤🌹 LOVE 🌹💛💗 💙💗🌹 LOVE🌹💛💗 💚💚💚 .💗💚 💚💚💛

  • Caitlin Charlton12 days ago

    🌼I felt the Paradox in the line "I'm tired before daylight." It is a poignant, ironic statement. It's that feeling of being fed up when rest doesn't do what it's supposed to. It captures that detached feeling you get when you're truly exhausted. This is brilliant.

  • Wooohooooo congratulations on your Leaderboard placement! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊

  • Mariann Carroll13 days ago

    I am feeling what you are feeling. Excellent work and congratulations 🎊 Ruck!!!

  • Sara Wilson13 days ago

    Congrats on making leaderboard, Rick!!

  • Lamar Wiggins14 days ago

    This really sings to the pressure of routines and responsibilities. Nicely done, my friend. Hope you get some uninterrupted rest soon!

  • Grz Colm14 days ago

    I like how it works so well without the bells and whistles. Relatable for many, Rick. 😊

  • Sid Aaron Hirji15 days ago

    Really relate to this my friend. I wish this got a top story as it is so well done

  • Lana V Lynx15 days ago

    Stripped it down to the essence nicely, Rick!

  • Komal15 days ago

    This hits hard in a very real! This is literally adult life —that feeling when your alarm goes off and you just stare at the ceiling like “bro I just closed my eyes???” 😭 And somehow we still get up. Kinda wild how surviving the workday becomes the main quest sometimes.

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