Gali

I do what I’m told

I have friends

I try my best

But it isn’t enough

I ninety feels bad

A failure

But for some people it’s a win

I don’t want to squash their victory

I don’t know how to feel

Dear America, 

November 6th, 2024 

Today my grief is loud 

She is shaky and terrified 

I hold her gently in my arms 

Inspired by Jesmyn Ward

I wish I could tell you how I mourn your innocence,

how I pray for a shield, 

my heart is locked,

and i'm keeping it for you. 

the chain wrapped around it

still remains from the last time

it shattered. 

i build up my mountains,

and my defenses in my mind.

At school we draw in the margins of our notebook paper

and toy with the idea of moving to Australia. 

We look up the latest news in between classes, knowing that

the teachers will think we're addicted to our phones.