You’re a shadow—yes a memory
Of something that I once knew
A teasing glimmer of sun through clouds
That never breaks quite through
You’re an empty silence
Where once there was noise
Like unfolding sorrow—
Collapsing the used-to-be joys
You’re a promise spoken carelessly
A heart desperate for security held to
Only to be shattered because you said
Things you hadn’t realized aren’t true
You are the cold of winter before spring
That the tired soul just wants to leave
But no—you’re constant, biting, and nonchalant
So even those who still have hearts can’t grieve
You’re an ignorant stab with a dull knife
And an offhand apology to follow
Saying “it’s in your head—get over it”
Leaving your poison—in my mouth to swallow
You’re a feeling in myself I can’t express
Not angry—not really—just distraught
And unable to explain the torment
Of you constantly reminding me what I’m not
Joy Boettinger is a junior elementary education major at Penn State Harrisburg.
