Changes

By Anna Bird-Pollan

my favorite pair of shoes are falling apart, again.

they last fell apart the summer before my senior year of high school. 

this time, they’re falling apart before i even reach the summer before my senior year.

they’re falling apart, again. 

they last fell apart the summer after the worst year of my life.

this time, they’re falling apart during the worst months i’ve had in a long time.

they’re falling apart, again.

they last fell apart when it was all i could do not to dream about the future.

this time, they’re falling apart when it’s all i can do not to worry about the future.

they’re falling apart, again.

they last fell apart when i was putting myself together again.

this time, they’re falling apart when i’m trying my best not to fall apart.

they’re falling apart, again.

i’m falling apart, again.