Fragile. I am fragile.
You think that I am strong.
Screaming. I am screaming. Screaming, screaming, screaming.
Far too long.
Time. There’s no time.
Words, stories, sentences, desires, duties, obligations
Bounce back
And forth
Back
And forth
Inside my mind.
I am never quiet.
I dream of speaking these words
Of ridding my tongue of the weight of my thoughts.
You ask me how I am.
They claw to escape.
The only words I am allowed are “I” and “am” and “fine”.
Sliding back down my throat, riding the curve of my smiling lips
Fall the words “not” and “okay”.
But you don’t know.
There’s so much beneath the surface
That’s not allowed to be
Seen.
I’m screaming, pounding, crying, beating
Against the prison
Of my lips.
And all
You hear
Is laughter.
