I get this sinking feeling days before
eyes hurt
and I can't breathe
remembering every past eighteenth morning
I've woken up
when I was laying in your bed
and took a shower downstairs
when I slept so late
I saw the sun rise
I took a picture
looking so vacant
or when I woke up to nothing
I was all alone
made my bed
later you came into the room with gifts
way back
when I woke up to her kissing my cheeks
the forgotten birthday card she made me
I will remember and the yearly tradition
broken because everyone had changed
I'm filled with paranoia
can't sleep
something is coming
something I can't avoid
the weight is heavy
it will pass
and leave me paralyzed
please don't say it
let me stay days away
from the happy birthday candles
that slowly burn my soul
the look in my eyes
hidden under the mask