Redwood
Poetry

On Its Own Terms

Skyler Rockmael

October 2022
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My belly is full of water 

But I feel the need to 
take 
a 
sip 

Water bursts into me 
As I forcefully push it through my quenched throat 
It hurts to sit 
I feel 
circular 
Achy 
But it is satisfied 
That's all that truly matters 

It controls me at unexpected parts of my day 
For it is always lurking ready to impede on my 
Tooth brushing timing 
Running mileage 
Water intake
Hair brushing technique 
It always strives for perfection 
No matter how
Unrealistic 
Or 
Insane 

On days of running late 
I’m forced to 
Brush my teeth 
As if each second will prevent a comet’s strike

On days of peak instability
I’m forced to 
Run until my legs feel 
Shaky 
Unstable 
Collapsible 


On days of cool breezes and hot drinks 
I’m forced to
Slurp down my never ending OZ hefty water bottle 
In an unattainable time limit 

On days of deep stress
I’m forced to 
Empty my stress out onto my 
Thick 

Greasy
Curvy 
Pineapple skin colored 
Hair 
That seems always to be in a tangle 

No matter the constant harassment

I must listen to it 
I am a servant to it
I try fighting back the orders
But it knows me better than anyone 

It is me.
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