the welcome burn of today’s first swallow

quickly fades

as my mind wanders from the edge

seeking space from my own reflection

racing backwards

realizing I never had control

an anchor is weighty at my heels

slowing time

night’s silence has me in the shadows

don’t apologize for the pain

carry on

it’s no one’s fault that I am so afraid

the novel I am writing has no words

empty spaces

guaranteeing I will never reach the end