“Three months prior to graduation”
K. Reid

it is only salt water
running down my cheeks
nothing more
not a sign of fear
of doubt
or anxiety

my nerves are fine
my nails are always bitten
to the nub
my cuticles are always sore
from tending the weeded
hang nails

I chose to graduate with
a writing degree
I chose not to file myself
in the standard 9 to 5
I chose the alternative

and now, the route
this life of art
freedom
a piercing pursuit
has evoked salt water
running down my cheeks

fuck
I am scared