a day in the life: valedictorian at the school of hard knocks, already committed to humdrum state university--full scholarship she laces up her shoes, buttons her top, ever so slightly to balance the constant feeling in the pit of her stomach like that of a roller coaster moments before the big drop each car horn and bird chirp plays into a miserable melody raining down upon her withered teenage face like ashes of anxiety burn-holes her already tattered clothes until they resemble swiss cheese she breathes heavily. each step is a hurdle, each word a quarrel, each conversation an uphill battle every potential relationship another personal waterloo dimples and straight teeth mask the dread coursing within her skull just as her long sleeves and wristbands hide the things she shouldn't do her body lackluster and tired, as if she hadn't slept for days or maybe just worn from escaping the holes she finds herself in daily or from her Jackson *******-esque arm motions when she splatters paint because she thinks she can never paint else anything right she opens the door with her right hand her left hand remains in a fist, squeezing tight her sweaty palms make holding the door a challenge but it's best that she not let go.