Waking up to sunlight warming my cheeks
Streaming in through white shutters
Stumbling into the kitchen
Cookies for breakfast
And a cold shower
For dessert.
I start my chemistry homework
Not due for another week
The history homework is due tomorrow
But I do the chemistry, of course.
Slip on a blue dress
From the closet
Even though I’ll only be at home today.
No make-up
Resting my head on her woolly blanket
Tiredness seeping into my bones
Like a sponge soaking up water
From staying up with him
All night
My favorite reason to lose sleep.
A mishmash of songs plays
From the stereo
I tap my feet
And the keys on my computer.
Holding the baby guinea pig
He helps me concentrate
Oh, it’s already 3
I grab torn, worn cleats
And rush out the door
Into the silver car waiting, like a mirage
In the driveway.
Running
Ribs exploding
I never stop
Until the ref calls a yellow card
Then, I laugh.
A man in a suit
And a tie with Shakespeare on it
Picks me up
Starbucks run
Hide the cups so Mom won’t see
I skip dinner,
And run down the hall
My legs suddenly finding strength
To talk to him.
Brushing my hair idly
Spiderman socks on my feet
Because my chipped toenails
Are ugly.
Put some presents under the tree
And try to guess what’s in
My stocking
Phone rings
Have to babysit on Saturday
And don’t forget to do the laundry
Go to bed, honey, it’s past 10
Climb up the ladder
No pajamas, I sleep in my clothes
They’re reminders
Of my day.
Snuggling under my comforter
The only light in the room
Is from the screen
I gaze at
His words flickering across it
Lighting up the ceiling
And making me smile
In the dark.
Falling asleep
Because I don’t want to say goodbye
A glass of milk next to my bed
I’m not ready
For normalcy.