My mother wonders why I tick
When I never did before
Tick
I don't tell her that I tick
Because I am more stressed now
Tick
I was late this morning
My mother said, "Don't worry"
Tick
My schedule was off
My schedule was broken
Tick
I don't know why I tick now
I used to try to stop
Tick
But now I feel like a clock
I am a tick without any tock
Tick
It helps calm me I suppose
The numbered noises
Tick
The patterns help soothe
The panic inside
Tick
Every time I try not to tick
It moves louder to my mind
Tick
I have started to accept
The tick that runs my life
Tick
Someone touched my things
I don't tick right away
Tick
But when I go to get them
That noise begins
Tick
Louder in my mind until
I start ticking out loud
Tick
"What's wrong?"
Nothing
Tick
The tick is faster
Someone stares
Tick
"What's wrong with you?"
More pointed questions now
Tick
Nothing is wrong
Tick
I will fix it
Tick
I'm fine
Tick
Tick
*Tick