My brightest smile
Barely hides the tears welling up
And I wish I weren’t here

Riding the bus from the beautiful prison
Covering my ears
Trying to block out the memories

But the only result is muffled screams
Wild laughter from the back
They should all go to Hell.

They will, I tell myself.
It’s no comfort;
I’ll be meeting them there.

Correction:
I’m already there.
Leaving one Hell for another.

Different people
Same story.
And I wish I weren’t here.

Death is frightening.
Life is threatening.

Dignity is optional.
Integrity is nonexistent.

05/06/2005