Island

I would feel -

relaxed if I were

on an island by myself.

I could forget about

my life

forget about overdue math

and whether I'm behind or not

doing the right thing is always wrong

people have unsaid expectations of you

if it's classwork no one listens

and you're behind if you do

I can't be behind.

I could run away from my responsibilities

not think about or talk to

anyone or anything

but I'd be lonely.

I'd be scared.

I'd be overwhelmed in a place

with no anchorage

no tether.

I could try to unwind and relax but I can't

I hate seeing the bigger picture

I need my close-up zoomed-in life

all the hustle and bustle busywork

all the assignments

perfect grades

I couldn't sleep if I ran away.

But if I could?

I'd run away to Hawaii

with a fake ID and stolen credit card

you'd drive me

I'd snuggle penguins

fall asleep on beaches

we would be together

it wouldn't be just me

if I could twist this the way I want to

we could be together without

any homework

any missing

any faraway feelings

no lack of connection because I'm real

and you're real

and it's Hawaii

that is how

I would get away.