unspoken

the raspy scent of graphite on ruled paper,

clothes shuffling, folds ruffling, whispered conversations,

incessant pen-scrambling, a dream-like world.

creaking chairs, doors; tables dragged sharply.

handing over things quietly: honey is thicker than blood.

electric lights, stylus scratching smartboard.

hidden sketchbooks, used post-its; heads on desks.

questions in pencil (unfinished sketches) scribble-notes

(stitched-together poems) unblind obedience.

swallowing fire. headaches.

parched throats, broken leads, half asleep.

freedom. shrill bells. familiar weights on backs.

cupped thumbtacks. punched newspaper.

human experience.

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