Acer Sacharrum

The binary code is plastered everywhere

from the billboard of the new romance movie

to the books that have shaped our history. 

The binary code is ingrained in our heads

as we see the magazines, 

your features don’t contort when you cry.

tears skate down your face until they get caught

on the side of your nose 

or  the tip of your chin

The poppies are too cheerful, squealing for even a tablespoon of attention.

Look at how they open wide like the mouth of a Siberian wild cat.

I told you I didn't want to receive flowers, chocolates, anything at all.

1. Smile. Teachers like kids who smile, especially during classes when mind-numbingly boring concepts itch their way into your brain and eat away the inside. Yes, you don't like school. No, you can't say that. Smile, smile, smile.