too bright

the sun, the sea, the leaves on trees

all signs of life, they say.

it makes sense then - I hate those things

indoors, undercovers, I stay.

for weeks on end, time passes by

fresh air - I never breathe

paralyzed by CO2

emptiness achieved.

self-destruction inevitable

but how can I put it off?

wash face, get dressed, keys, drive,

car hauls to a stop.

arrive at a public place - people, faces - maybe I’m alright

exchange a smile, okay for a while, till again the sun’s too bright.