we all sat at the stoplight
it stayed red
the gardener honked
one car went
and then another
it was illegal perhaps
but everyone did it
just as I got up
to make my decision
it turned green
and I avoided choices
and their self-image consequences
what a lucky save
continue to avoid reflection

wiggling my toes
thinking about things
being very happy

kneading for eternity
he hasn’t stopped yet
it’s why we get along

nerves
from here to Mars
nothing to do
except get hugs
and wait it out

15 hours of people
of pushing myself
to be heard
to be seen
15 hours of “ON”
of smiling
to be nice
to be friendly
10 hours too much

glue coating my insides
thick and uncomfortable
things I shouldn’t say
things I feel compelled to share
the words are acetone
but it burns as I speak
the liquid drips into my throat
dissolving the glue
but hurting me
burns into my insides
the glue is gone though

sleep.