Dimensions of a Bathroom Stall

I know the dimensions of a bathroom stall.

The privacy of an illusion,

My stalls are a refuge from swirling

Pounding heartbeats of an apathetic mass.

Down the hall, down the stairs

My footsteps beat and ache

It's ok

You're ok

Faster

Christ

Save me.

The walls are caving in.

I press my back against the cool stall wall of separation

I outstretch my arms in tensions against the

Weight of every burden, and stabilize

The racking of sobs.

The sound is subdued as I bury my head in my arm.

I am a silent ache.

There is enough room to walk small circles,

Throw my head back for a gasp

Of life.

Let me disappear, this is all

Too much. Too much

The desire to throw open these doors

And run, the cold air a reminder of warmth.

Enveloped in light, I will run to you.

This stall will hold me

Instead of your arms.

the black and white speckled plastic

Can be the night sky and you

Will tell me how the world turns.

Reality jolts. A door is opened.

Time passed too slow, yet not long enough.

Shake of the head, blow of the nose

Open the stall, step out into

The bright expose

Replace dried tears

With washing water.

I look in the mirror,

And I am fine.