burnout beasts
today was the kind of day
that shoves a porcupine in your
guts. it split your ears
while screaming out of register. A bear
is pressing your shoulders down, scratching
its furry, rough back on
you until you’re forced to
press to the ground. your
voice is muffled because a bat is enfolding
your tongue. today is too cautious
to ask for help. it
gave you these animals to care for
and you’ve so far
been okay with keeping them at bay. but
you can admit mid-morning,
there’s a window of relief when
you can step back. take a
seat. and when you take a sip,
the coffee is still hot.
