Start Again Poem by Piper Brown

Waking up one morning
I bury my face in my pillow
Glancing at the clock
It yells at me “Borderline late! ”
But I don’t care, never will
I don’t want to face the torrent
Of yelling and screaming without cause
Barely making it out of the door
Slamming it as I storm out
Cursing at the sky and anyone who could hear me
“If you’re a judge and a jury
Sentence me to another life! ”
Making it to the bus stop a friend smiles
Then frowns and mouths, “You ok? ”
I shout and rant as anger boils
Calming though my blood races
I apologize and move on
No caring about anything
Like a robot moving when told to
Arriving at soccer practice
I miss the ball countless times
For my head is cluttered with junk
Hurt, frustration, anger, pain, redundantly pounding
Finally getting home, reluctantly
Another lecture, I shut down
Stop replying, stop fighting, stop arguing
Running to my room I scream and cry
Waiting until they go to sleep
I clutch the phone, controlling my tears
The dial tone, afraid
Then your sweet voice cuts through all…
“hey, baby.” Relief, utter relief. I made it
When it ends I fall asleep
Blissfully unaware that it will
Start again