She drinks it all in like a bird in the sky.
Outside her body, not in control of her mind.
The “Happy birthdays,” the hugs
wash over her yet she remains dry.
She sits down possessed
by an aching feeling inside.
In the middle of two friends
with their hair in her face.
Scrolls on her phone and tries to meet someone's eyes
smothered by the sound of voices racing by
she smooths her hair and bites her lip.
Doesn’t bother hiding the tears welling in her eyes.
No one will notice.
There’s not a face turned in her direction.
She’s nudged in the side
only it’s just an arm gone astray.
The result of a passionate conversation she isn’t apart of.
Suddenly a weight on her shoulder
blue sleeve and pink nails
soft smile and gently, “Let’s take a walk.”
Shoulder to shoulder
the tears finally running down her cheeks.
She swipes at them and laughs.
Thousands of eyes glaze over her now
walking through the middle of the school.
Yet she feels secure as if safe inside of a bubble.
“Are you okay?” asks the voice beside her.
She mutters an incoherent reply and allows a small smile.
Nods and finally
there’s light in her eyes.
Nov 8, 2025
Nov 8, 2025 at 1:36 AM UTC
She drinks it all in like a bird in the sky.
Outside her body, not in control of her mind.
The “Happy birthdays,” the hugs
wash over her yet she remains dry.
She sits down possessed
by an aching feeling inside.
In the middle of two friends
with their hair in her face.
Scrolls on her phone and tries to meet someone's eyes
smothered by the sound of voices racing by
she smooths her hair and bites her lip.
Doesn’t bother hiding the tears welling in her eyes.
No one will notice.
There’s not a face turned in her direction.
She’s nudged in the side
only it’s just an arm gone astray.
The result of a passionate conversation she isn’t apart of.
Suddenly a weight on her shoulder
blue sleeve and pink nails
soft smile and gently, “Let’s take a walk.”
Shoulder to shoulder
the tears finally running down her cheeks.
She swipes at them and laughs.
Thousands of eyes glaze over her now
walking through the middle of the school.
Yet she feels secure as if safe inside of a bubble.
“Are you okay?” asks the voice beside her.
She mutters an incoherent reply and allows a small smile.
Nods and finally
there’s light in her eyes.
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