I’m suicidal.
(don’t tell them you’re suicidal)
“I’m not suicidal. I’m fine.”
there’s a telling pause but they are exhausted,
diverted by their self obsession,
clueless.
“ I just want to be seen.”

every time they slap the bracelet on,
relief. like a falling blackness
lifted to reveal a net,
a retrieval.
a temporary spark of light
in my persisting
midnight.
“I’m fine.”

“the hospital series”