How Can Sleep Conquer Me?

How can sleep conquer me?

I move, I think,

I breathe, I scream;

I stand on mountaintops and roar out soundly,

“I won’t let sleep take me!”

I rush past exhaustion,

ignoring yawns.

I trudge, I strain

I never submit to her smile,

I caress Death’s little sister with ease.

How can I resist a stretch at dawn?

My poor back, my fallen knees.

If I don’t vanquish now,

then drown me at sea;

but please, don’t let me waste my time asleep!