Measuring Tape

By: Lexie McKay

I seek silence,

the stillness of water,

objects in rows

and the day I’m caught up.

I feel miles behind.

Every time I open my eyes

there’s someone standing there

with a measuring tape

counting up the minutes I’ve wasted

crying and lying to myself.

It’s written on the scoreboard

brighter than the sun

I’ve forgotten how to run

any faster than a meandering pace.

Maybe it’s some distant

piece of myself

I saw fit to replace.

Everyone moves so fast

I find myself in last place

I know I’ll never win the race

but am I a lost case?

If you’re far ahead

and I’m lying alone in my bed

does it make us too different

to coexist? If so, just know

you are someone I will miss.