And if you ask me
what the worst part
of a depressive episode is
It’s the during yes
but it’s the after
that follows you around
No matter how good you are
at compartmentalization
or pretending
it never happened

The aftermath of the storm
Is what stays with you
It’s diverting questions
and avoiding talking about
those missing periods of time
That’s what keeps you tethered
To the pieces of the past
that pose the biggest threat
The pieces you are skilled at
helping people forget