Inside Out Pain Published in the Blue Nib Literary Magazine poetry I sink in the slippery callousness the lack of urgency the smell of dry air and cleaning products
doors numbered like jail cells faceless
when the cold handle caresses my hand the wooden door creaks it’s complaint
escorting me where everyone goes eventually
the hospital room dark with moans quiet with adults
numb with acceptance steeped in assurances faking wisdom
while I choke back nausea and hatred of inside out pain
that requires surgery medication interventions
paralyzed with the ridiculous notions of dinner
errands and dust on the shelves waiting at home
while I grow up here and silently beg for you
to not leave me yet because I don’t know how to fold the towels