Teen Angst

[Patsy Stone]

A page from the eighth grade diary.

Right now
I miss you so much
I think I could die

As dramatic as that sounds, it's true.
My heart aches and all I do
is think of you.

During the day it's easy
to forget where we were
just a short time ago.

Things fill the hours and the laughter
of friends cast a welcome light
in the growing pit of sadness.

All reminders now banished
to the bottom drawer,
keeping the thumbtacks company.

Much too painful to look at,
much to precious to discard.
Music is almost unbearable now.

At night the heartache grows
and the hopes you will return
are dimming with the light.

Even if what I thought I knew
wasn't what was true, I still knew it.
And heaven help me, I miss you.