Static

Squeeze tightly on your fingers as I whisper, "Will I make this deadline?"

You say, "It isn't likely"

I can taste salt as the sweat drips through my lips

I drink my water one sip at a time

I say, "This isn't like me"

This isn't even the first time

I've been here before

My life feels so static

I'm pulling elastic and drawing circles on my floor

I sink my head into my hands

How did it get this bad?

I thought you'd know

But it's clear that you don't

Switch me off and on again

So I can't pretend that this isn't getting under my skin

Trade me in and say this one's broken

I use my humour as a coping mechanism

I try my best to humour your optimism that this will work out

Can it work now?

Or now?

I sink my head into my hands

How did it get this bad?

I thought you'd know

But it's clear that you don't

Switch me off and on again

So I can't pretend that this isn't getting under my skin

Go ahead and trade me in