Wake up!
Sudden gasp for air, here.
Cold sweat, throat closed, tissue, now.
Buried under blankets, my body fights what’s concealed within.
I cough a lung, and then another, on top another.
Leaping from my bed, I dart to the shower.
Placed under my tongue,
Blood red mercury climbs to its breaking point.
Ninety- six, ninety-eight,
Ninety-nine, forget this, water warm.
It does nothing for awhile. I stand nude,
Pale face, eyes droopy. Bitter cold air nips away at my skin,
It leaves me frail, disfigured, and faint.
The hairs on my arms stretch far, reaching, begging, praying
For just a flame to calm their nerve or
A nirvana to set them free.
Lather, rinse, repeat, lather, rinse until my mind goes numb.
Door shuts, the mirror shakes relentlessly.
Wait,
Only my reflection shivers through the fogged glass.
My mistake.
Dry, dress, and dive back into bed
Eyes close, body warms, sweat breaks.
Only for the same events to repeat, lather, rinse
Repeat until my body saves itself.