break in the event that anxiety was right all along

The reflection of the TV is pink

splashed on my knees

and quick flashes to keep the attention

of people who are trying to forget.  

This waiting squeezes our spleens 

and we stop breathing

for a time

to see if the pain stops.

It never does. 

I am of this pain and not. 

I am a daughter of this grief and a stranger. 

Mercurial; Salt-kissed skin

In a swimming pool. 

I don't deserve this grief, she says. 

While he calls her by someone else's name.