thoughts running over

whose legs do you walk on?
i walk into a room one day,
a tutor, an expert, experienced
same day,
different room; can't speak.

i walk into a room one day,
a fighter, a lover, proud.
same day,
different room; chin up.

i walk into a room one day,
broken, beaten, sore.
same day,
different room; saved.

i walk into a room one day,
a fool, a genius, unstoppable.
same day,
different room; mindless.

i walk into a room
every day
myself.


untitled
you're a lingering cough.
just when i think it's passed,
i laugh
& i feel you in my chest.

refusing to budge, belaboring breath
when i climb the stairs
as i run away
& you're still clinging.

it's why i rarely sleep,
(it's why i borrow tea)
why my skin burns a fever
& why i lie so still.

scared to move,
scared to shift,
& scared for things to change;

scared to think
scared to feel
& ever scared for things to stay the same.