Ache.

by Lillian Olson

This is the culture of my generation, a bunch of kids who were never taught to triumph—we were taught how to fail with dignity

I want to destroy all the parts that aren’t working. I’m breaking, I’m breaking.

Choosing to protect ourselves is not failure.”

My greatest wish is to disappear but my presence is not small enough. My body is too big and my misgivings bigger.

This is so much easier. I don’t think it’s living, but it’s not hurting either.

How do I turn the light on in my eyes? Please, no one look at me today. There is nothing here to see, please, keep going. Move on. Don’t look back.