Manic
by Allison Shimmel
Image source: istock.com
Packages arrive
One, two, three, four
He unwraps them as if in a trance
Who orders 12 toothpastes?
They share a glance
Up and down
Up and down
Footsteps hurrying on the stairs
Floorboards above creaking with
Increasing intensity
The anxiety keeping them awake
Each step becoming a reminder
Of what it takes
Music blaring
All morning and all night
“Please turn it off!”
They argue and they fight
Yesterday the fridge was filled
With take out and energy drinks
But today, it’s down the disposal
The ever-changing opinions
Pushing them to the brink
The all-nighters quickly turn
To days filled with endless sleep
The whole house is quiet
They know not to make a peep
Allison Shimmel is a third-year medical student at the UTCOMLS.
