The screen in my window’s still down —

no wonder it’s so cold up here.

You’d think I’d know better, a house this old, this time of year.

And here I thought I shivered for the stress,

54 degrees

Yesterday was December 7th

And it was 54 degrees

I live in Minnesota

On December 7th

It is supposed to be snowy

The lake should be frozen over

But no

It was 54 degrees Fahrenheit

The world has long since held me down and forced me to instill myself with the notion that I am worthless.

I am not.

Or am I?

People say this is not their America. I think the problem is that it is. This is what millions of Americans want. This is our America whether we like it or not. Our America elected a rapist into office.

Election Day, in Washington's time,  

It was simple and reliable. 

Now, some centuries later, 

Women's rights are in danger. 

Yet,

A criminal is up to the poll, 

Dear America, 

November 6th, 2024 

Today my grief is loud 

She is shaky and terrified 

I hold her gently in my arms 

At school we draw in the margins of our notebook paper

and toy with the idea of moving to Australia. 

We look up the latest news in between classes, knowing that

the teachers will think we're addicted to our phones.

on november first we said

ohgodit'snovemberalreadywheredidallthetimego taking

up all the time in the world with our breath.

on november fifth we said

ohgodpleaseprotectushavemercyonoursins praying

This country is empty 
It is long gone 
For the days of adventure 
And truth 
Lie written in our history books 
Soon to be burned and forgotten

note: partially inspired by Mary Oliver's "Wild Geese" 

        and  for my mom 

i want you to sit and stare at the glistening horizon. 

I scroll through the options

Endless rows

And rows

And rows

Of smileys

And animals

And faces

And people

And things.

I scroll through the multicolored hearts

The laughing faces