Poem: Big Day Ahead

An hourglass with calendars in the background

I bare my teeth and dig my heels

And close my eyes to stop the day

But winter air still can’t freeze time

So spring is here and on its way

The months pass by in promised waves

Each marching to a knowing tune

But staying close won’t stop them turning

My insides out by May or June

Peaceful ends bleed me faster dry

Than twisted knives deep in my chest

I’d rather die of shock than grief

So kill me now and let me rest

When my big day comes after all

I’ll be sixteen on my first flight

They’ll find me at my last class seat

Digging my fingers til they’re white

Twelve years gone in a single blink

Relive them in twelve minutes, too

The time it takes to cross a stage

And meet the world ahead of you