ANXIETY BY LANE SCOGGINS 34THPARALLEL MAGAZINE ISSUE 71
A scrape—steel against aluminum in
the lining of the stomach
A scratching—fingernails against the throat
It’s almost 10 o’clock;
we’ve been out too long.
Let’s get out of here,
it screeches.
Feet pummeling the uneven earth,
Let’s get as far away as tomorrow.
I have bruises on the underside
of my skin, Get out!
I have blisters on the inside
of my ankles, Let’s go home.
We walk in step.
My legs are too slow
Run! It’s getting late!
It’s almost 10 o’clock.