Gas Mask by Eleanor Mollica '23

The Return by Eleanor Mollica '23

Do I remember being returned like a present after Christmas Day, I dare to say the tear grows bigger than the biggest bay

My stomach rumbles Is something wrong I don’t feel strong The mumble grows back upon my tongue

I feel like a sack of fish hauled to shore I don’t feel comfort anymore

Friends came on so scared and worried Just made me feel hurried Thoughts that race and run I couldn’t take it anymore

It aches it squelches and it doesn’t rhyme My organs twist at the old thoughts coming on time

Stronger now They come around beating like the tide against a harried shore I can’t take it anymore

They twist and twirl like food around a fork Or cobwebs on a duster I find myself falling short

What more can I say to the dust covered chairs To the house I love But what of the people inside Where do they stand

I wish to run to the beach The shore will drown me out Can I be like Aphrodite and become a trout?

The old house troubles by northeastern storms Inside and out Something screams for help But isn’t heard by any or many at all

That achingly painful want for them to call me back Send me a boat, a ferry, a skipper, a sailboat! I have my license, let me float!

Oh lord I want to be free To tell them the fear I hid in the trees I want to make them not feel alone Like I was for all those years

The only safe space was taken away Always leaving and new one brought around But do I trust it? Will it stay?

Make me sure That the music is more Then an illusion on the shore