It’s almost 10 o’clock; we’ve been out too long. Let’s get out of here.

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.