Sugar Rush Feels Like Halloween Night

Illustration by Shamma.

something in your smile

leaves me sugar sick to the stomach

     i’m glad the feeling’s mutual,

  you tell me, 

as you force mountain dew

down your throat

as overdoses go, this one tastes like martyrdom 

come on

we’re making history, aren’t we?

you pull me to my feet 

and show me the world at its top

all the voices in our heads remain unafraid

ready to be crowned kings, queens, saints

something’s seething in my stomach 

it isn’t love

but it’s sweet like saccharine

like everyone else,

i’m hooked on hope

maybe things will get better

once you learn how to love

two heads huddled together 

fingers clutched tight around the handles

       of plastic pumpkins

and toothy smiles hidden under

the white sheet draped over us 

are you sure we’re too old for capri-suns?

       my voice trembles

we’re still on top of the world

        but it sure is a long way down

your shadow shrugs 

                         i drink mountain dew now  ◆

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