​I Have a Circus in My Head

(Context: I wrote this for a creative writing class about a year ago, so I thought I’d share it here. Hope y’all enjoy it!)

I have a circus in my head,

“Where did I go wrong?” I asked.

My head said, “Keep smiling and enjoy the show,”

“But the show isn’t fun,” I responded.

It feels like it’s going in different directions;

Let’s do this! Nay, let’s do that!

It’s stressing me out! I can’t settle on anything!

Maybe I need a break, I thought.

“Nay!” my head screamed. “Finish the task or it’s the end of you!”

“But I’ve got two whole hours!” I retorted.

“And you said that last time.”

Bzzz. Bzzz. My hand jolted to my little black rectangle;

P.T. Neuron slapped me. “Don’t even think about it.”

“But it might be her!” I refuted.

“Two whole hours, you said!”

I snapped. “I can’t get anything done!

“You’re over here distracting me,

“Telling me what I can and can’t do,

“I don’t have time for this!

“I’ve got this to do, and that!

“Oh yeah, and that, and then I’ve got this to worry about!

“And then this by the end of the week!

“And I promised them about this!

“And! And. And…

I collapsed to the ground, my soulless eyes staring up;

Overwhelming, darkness, stress, endless.

I touched my unshaven chin;

A warm gasp of air escaped my mouth.

“I’m going to bed,” I quietly said.