a hot blanket
irremovable
snatches the relief away,
trapping the summer sun
against my skin
(against my soul)
dragging me down
into the soil of
my deepest doubts

and no matter how many
times i tear at its seams
their strained cries,
their complaints,
even their smiles
can’t keep me cool
until i can find a way
to cut it open, throw it
to the ground,
and take a dip in the pool.