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Autopilot
The constant buzzing of my phone wakes me from a drowsy state,
rattling beside me like a snake
My eyes focus on my chromebook,
its white bright light,
against the dark circles under my eyes.
Right on time for class
I try to seek refuge in my bed, wrapped up in blankets
like a warm embrace, but
my chest is tight
I stare blankly
at the screen in my lap.
How did I ever wake up earlier than this?
It should be easier,
It should be better than last year.
I heard we’re going back,
To normal.
I will no longer be sheltered from my peers
How will I adjust?
The thin line between school and after
is blurred.
I find myself working day and night;
A constant cycle I can’t seem to manage
A simple cracked window
brings a promise on a warm day,
promises of summer,
of freedom,
Carefree nights spent doubled over
in laughter, looking at the stars.
Till then, I keep opening my eyes
to another day,
on repeat.

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School during this pandemic has been a huge adjustment for everyone. As someone who has not set foot in a classroom since last March, I can say it has been an experience. This piece expresses the bad habits I have developed due to attending school through a screen. Waking up right before class, poor time management, and developing anxiety when thinking about the social interactions I will have to make when I attend school in person after April break. I wrote this poem on a day I felt that I dug myself deep in a hole that I could not get out of and everyday felt the exact same. The poem was written as an assignment for my early morning creative writing class to pour out how I had been feeling through a rough week and to remind myself that I had something to look forward to in the future.