Calico Frost

I made tea this morning.

I put the leaves in, watching the steam dance with childlike wonder.

I returned to my laptop, staring at a half finished chapter, the bags under my eyes more apparent than ever.

It's 12:34 AM on July 5th, 2025 and I still see fireworks going off in the sky.

I hear the booms, the bangs, the commotion of endless fireworks

going on for hours

still raging

on a brand new day.

This year I didn’t lay out an outfit for the fourth,

This year I wore all blue

I didn’t want to represent the other side,

Not today.

This year we didn’t go to the parade 

He likes the solidity

Of having protection,

His big friendly guardian

Always beside him.

She liked the companionship,

How he always had a quip.

They talked about everything under the sun

If I could sail

I'd sail away

Far away

I'd sail away from this place

But I wouldn't go to another

I would stay in between

Refusing to stay

Refusing to go

If I could sail

It's 10:55

I'm losing my mind

I try to count sheep

But they just pass me by

I get up and sit

At my desk, bite my lip

What to write, how to feel

Maybe my humor conceals

Who I am truly