Be Not Far from Me

by Mindy McGinnis

I taught them that there’s nothing worse than humans. And while I learned it young myself, I didn’t ever want to have to be the one bearing the message.

The truth is I miss my shitty house, and not just for the shelter. It is home, and has someone in it who loves me.

I’m determined to save my own life, not because it’s worth living but because I don’t want to disappoint a dead possum.

I’m moving. But Lord do I wish there was someone to carry me.

I need to tell my momma I did need her after all, and maybe I could’ve tried harder to sit still while she brushed out my hair or let her braid it once in a while.

There’s a lot of things I need to do, but I am so tired.