i wade into a lukewarm pool and feel myself falling.

deeper and deeper i descend, looking through the fun house mirror of my confusing and fleeting life.

i cock my head, as i realize i am not in water.

i am drowning in my deepest regrets and sorrows and short comings and embarrassments and tragedies.

an old purple book sits heavy on my lungs. a crumpled napkin crams in my throat. a screaming mother and a cackling ex-friend speed through my consciousness. everything i never wanted to remember bombards me with their demands.

i gasp for air, and choke on pandora's box.