My Cardboard Balcony

I'm A Bit Shaky by Belinda Roddie I'm a bit shaky on holding my tongue between my fingers, slowing down my chattering teeth. They clatter and clunk about like dead dead railroad tracks that are my thoughts never ceasing even when I try to sleep. I wish I could be a little less anxious a little less tip of the iceberg a little less let me tell you everything and expect you to just nod and smile and grin and bear it. It's hard to be a dashing knight and not get a few chinks in the armor. It's hard not to be a burden especially when you think I'm not a burden at all. Which leaves me to wonder if you know who I am more than I ever will.

I’m at a loss for words. At the end of the aisle, there is a man dressed in a black suit with a red tie and vest. The same hue as the rubies dripping from my ears. My father’s bicep is firm and rough against my sleeve. Flaky skin against white. He doesn’t smile even when he lets me go.