Plate Filler by Kassandra Swiftney

Wake up, brush my teeth, find something to eat
Notice that my plate is not yet full.
When I walk outside into the crisp chilly spring air
I find myself stumbling into obstacles.
Tripping on my laces trying not to face this.
The things in front of me
Start to create a haze.

Walk to class, sit in class
Hope nobody notices the bouncing, shaky legs.
Spilling out of the building, trying to catch my breath.
Hurry you’ll be late

Repeat until the plate gets heavy
With the weight of trying to love me
Love someone else.
Remember to call my dad
Remember to roll the dice
Remember to practice.
Socialization seems to be more work
Then the assignments pile up around me.
When I finally catch my breath
It’s time to sleep
Staying up for hours
Catching up with myself
Because her and I have not caught up
In days
She is tired
The plate is full
Starting to break, overflow, pile up.
Before I know
It starts all over in a few hours.