I was told that a simple
painkiller
would numb the pain
in my head
sometimes two if
unbearable

but I have taken
eleven already
and I can still hear
the voices telling me
how much of a
failure I am
and it hurts

and I have taken twelve already
and it's all lies
the voices
keep going

thirteen
I can't feel my hands
anymore

fourteen
why didn't anyone help
me when I tried
to scream

fifteen
they were supposed to
numb
the voices
not my
voice

*sixt …