Sit down.

Close your eyes. Count backward

from 10. Breathe deeply.

 

What do you hear?

 

Is it the sound of birds chirping

mixed with the rush of water slowly floating to somewhere

but you’re not sure where?

Is it the rattling of a metro train on rusty burgundy rails

while your sheets rub smoothly against your friends couch

you crashed on?

 

What do you see?

 

Is it the neon lights of the city glistening in the distance

off sleek glass windows?

An unusual amount of people standing around

the streets at 1 A.M. on a Sunday night?

 

Now open your eyes.

Thank me for my time, and slowly stand up

Step through the door,

 

and I’ll try not to cry.