Another Week

Boiled milk overflows on a greasy stove. Heavy coughs echo from the
bedroom.

“Just go to the doctor.”

“No, I’ll get worse.”

Cold meals are thrown away. Limbs overwork themselves to pay rent.

“Don’t exhaust yourself.”

“I have to. How else will we survive?”

A new lady moves in. Perky breasts appear by an open window.

“She’s pretty, isn’t she?”

“I don’t know.”

A baby dies in a trash can. Another child walks through debris, crying.

“Did you read the article? It’s heartbreaking.”

“You need to stop reading the news. Besides, there’s nothing you can do about it.”

People rush to fulfill fantasies. Time is misunderstood. The TV never sleeps.

“Try to go outside more. Get some fresh air.”

“What’s the point?”

Broken relationships continue. Strangers insert themselves where they don’t belong.

“Maybe you would have done the same.”

“I know myself. I’d never do that.”

Guilt breeds anxiety. Anxiety breeds depression. Loneliness survives in packed spaces.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. I told you already. I’m fine.”