alarm blaring as she wakes

same time, every morning

her pills burn at the intake

same feeling, without warning

—— her pills feel weak for once

different thought, stupid brain

thinking of how she’s a dunce

hurtful thoughts, back again

—— she brushes her hair

seven strokes, five times

each movement with care

every mess up, a crime

—— she sits quietly in class

hands folded, every day

taking off her flats

feet fidgeting, must sway

—— eating her lunch slowly

twenty-three chews, always perfect

any less being unholy

always perfect, a side effect

—— waiting for the bus at the curb

same schedule, all week

her plans must not be disturbed

without order, life is bleak

—— finishing her homework at night

papers in order, no creases

fifth time making sure everything’s right

one mistake, heartbeat increases

—— trying to sleep in the early morning

uncontrolled thoughts, sleepless nights

death of her soul causes mourning

horrible thoughts, her mind fights

—— her day felt just like the old days

very weak pill, a horrible feeling

her mind was set ablaze

stronger pill needed, just for dealing