sometimes
i have the
overwhelming urge
to shout

but the words
get

tangled

on my tongue
my brain
misfires
i blush
then turn away

some days

i choke

on the words
i wish i could
say
typing
erasing
messages
never to be seen again

it’s quiet
in the places
that used to ring
with peals of

laughter

i am far too
dour

for such an
obviously
fake smile

i am alone
in a place
that
for a brief instance
held

everything