“Do Not Enter” repeated on plastic tape
the bathroom was under construction
part of the campus’ revitalization program
but they didn’t know this was hers
of any place on campus, this was her favorite
it didn’t matter that the stall doors were pale yellow
or that sickeningly green wallpaper adorned the walls
it didn’t matter that it was a bathroom
she felt comfortable and safe there
so she bypassed the yellow and black tape
she breathed in the musty air, a familiar smell
now the sharp wet smell of cut 2x4s mixed in
the pedestal sink, her pedestal sink, was gone
dried crud in the shape of the pedestal left a stain
creaky plywood floor instead of yellowed vinyl
she couldn’t take it and ran out
she breathed in heavy ragged breaths
mourning the loss of a dilapidated lavatory
Originally written on August 7, 2015.