Seltzer

Drink a glass of seltzer.

Let the ice cubes clog your throat.

You are a survivor,

you will live and understand.

Put your lies in your boots

and feel them

with every step you take.

Memorize the path

so you can follow it

when your eyes are closed

and your breath is frozen

and nothing hits the wall

around your heart.

Scratch the deepest place

that you can find.

Cut the surface sewn

in pockets held by

veiny string.

Plant a flower.

Breathe it in and choke on the stem.

Swallow, and wash it down with seltzer.

E. C. Casey is a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in medicinal and biological chemistry at The University of Toledo College of Pharmacy.

The Odds