My mother walked me out to my car before turning and walking back to the house.
I really hate Thanksgiving. It was that time of year again, when I was expected to arrive and spend time at my parent's house because it's a national holiday.
1/ Their mere presence in my life causes me so much anxiety.
I always feel worse about myself after visiting them.
Tonight, of course, was no exception.
I walked to my car and climbed in.
With shaking fingers, I closed the door then pulled my phone out of my purse,

2/

When you've spent
so much time
clutching
sobbing
all alone
In the dark
When the face
You see in the mirror
causes the bile
in your throat
to rise
You learn
to truly appreciate
all the beauty
that shines
all the hope
that glimmers
in the midnight
twilight

1/ When the voices
in your head
utter the memories
of your nightmares
Carving their way
through
whatever barrier
You've managed to
cower behind
Leaving you weeping
on the frigid
concrete floor
Like a broken
and battered
plaything

2/