The high school lights fade behind interstates and tunnels to Seattle. A forest of counted costs cuts the brakes on the miles I put on my heart, traveling without a map — no directions to extinguish the burning fear I feel when I step to your front door. Maybe I’m better off dead, but then, I’d only be a memory stuck inside your head. You’d dream of me through headlights that blink like bloodshot eyes. I’m just surprised you’re still alive to accompany me as a passenger on this bumpy ride we call life.

(© 2022 AC)