THE CURE FOR BOREDOM:

first, add a teaspoon of sugar (because the opposite of boredom is fun, and what is fun if not sweet?)
sprinkle it into a cauldron of sparkling water. 
let it simmer—use your patience!—and once it starts to bubble, 
add 14 drops of bottled sunshine. 
(it works best if it has been collected in May)

the mixture should turn lime green.
wait three minutes,
and then pour in:
hysterical laughter (as much of it as you have!)
frost that was collected on a December morning
and a bit of luck for good measure. 

at this point, it will either be neon orange,
navy blue,
or lilac. 

stir it four times counterclockwise, 
then eight times clockwise. 
add the taste of dark chocolate,
the smell of old books,
and a fiery red maple leaf.

boil it until it’s an iridescent silver,
and then chill it before serving.

drink it whenever you feel the twinge of monotony—
this potion doesn’t expire!
it will quench your boredom, 
but also your thirst,

because it tastes like raspberry lemonade.

 

Cecilia Luce

VT

18 years old

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