Calico Frost

No one died

right?

I wasn't affected

but I am affected.

I know them

their situation

we're good friends

but why is all of this happening in my lifetime?

In our lifetimes?

I find at night

I am haunted by thoughts.

Simpler things, like

Math assignment due tomorrow, can I finish it by then?

or

Did I really turn in the essay or not? I don't remember...

At school

we're doing a poetry unit.

"Oh cool, we write poetry all the time!"

My friend says.

What we didn't realize, though,

was that the teacher turned on the tap

to our inner selves

I am the bird that everyone knows.

Never sees, only feels my presence.

Visible in your mind, noticeable in your heart.

My wingtips are dashed with anxiety,

my tail feathers streaked with frustration and loss.

Discomfort

settles

inside you

hardens

into something to avoid

churning your stomach

restraining you from finding peace.

Emotional

yet physical

tormenting you

pestering you

It is started by a piece of paper

written in blue pen ink

smeared as it is folded twice

passed to a friend.

Purple marker replies to blue pen

folded up the same way as before;