I cannot
shed my
skin

the ***** cells
are clinging
to me

they are
supposed
to become
dust

but they
have decided
to remain

and build up
and weigh
me down

so I don’t
feel like
doing

anything

they are
supposed
to leave me

at least
daily

so I can
feel clean

and be
renewed

instead of
lost in this

old mattress rut

i never used to smoke
but since you left,
it’s the only time i can seem to breathe

sharp pains love
like knives

and broken
is the stain

we leave
behind

I cannot
speak words

there is no
separation

in the sounds
I feel

whimpers and
moans and
screams and

silence is

all I have
left to say