-CometDust-

TikTok scrolling, climate warming,
Ocean rising, forests burning,
AI whispering, futures shifting,
Polar ice caps, glaciers drifting.

ten tears that escape from the narrow corners of my eyes

flowing down my cheeks and onto my lap where they melt and disappear

even my tears have lost.

nine questions scribbled into a diary late at night

1. Smile. Teachers like kids who smile, especially during classes when mind-numbingly boring concepts itch their way into your brain and eat away the inside. Yes, you don't like school. No, you can't say that. Smile, smile, smile.