Fainting Goat

It's here, prepared or not – 

A single flower. 

Dozens of breathtaking, intricate pink-orange petals reach for the sun. 

Newly bloomed, plump seeds, crisp leaves, overflowing with rich chlorophyll  

“I can make it hurt,”

My sister’s mouth uttered these words,

as she raised her pickle ball paddle to threaten my brother

My siblings have always had their moments,

where they would fight as if they were opponents

I don’t want to grow up

Because I don’t want to pay taxes

Because I want someone to take care of me

Because I’m a little bit scared.

I am grown up

“Stay away,” they’ll say

“She doesn’t think right,”

“She has horrible visions,

incomprehensible to the mind.”

She is disorder

She is me

A single thought blossoms

into sweet insanity

A moment you can’t make

a feeling you can’t shake

I am the monster

they tell you is fake

I am the apathy

leftover from hate

I’m what they hate

that’s what they’ll say

Don’t tell someone you’re fine 

When you know it’s all a lie 

Don’t be afraid to tell them the truth 

When they make you cry 

It’s okay to be upset