She got up that morning
Before her eyes had finished drying.
The world stood still and silent
Hidden behind a mask of mist.
She tried to move her body
But found her head was too crowded
So she left her brain asleep on her pillow
And walked away in her empty skin.
She performed her daily routine
With ease. She made eye contact and smiled
Upholding complete normality
As long as she held her breath.
She did not crumble or break
The way they thought she might,
But instead was slowly eroded
By waves of unwanted remembering.
She filled her cup with precision
So she could slip into a deep, idle tranquility
And wake up a little less empty.
Or maybe not at all.