MEHRISH, DIVYA
Divya Mehrish
Age: 17, Grade: 12
School Name: Spence School, New York, NY
Educator: Sara Beasley
Category: Poetry
The Landline After the Divorce
Dad you there it’s cold
here the house feels empty
i think even the dog knows
you’re not coming back
hang on i think i silenced
you it’s so easy to mute
you sound tired hello
i thought i lost you
fine i’m good we’re
all just fine shattered
my glasses last week
having trouble seeing slept
in contacts yesterday pupils
glued to plastic thought i would
forever see the world out of eyes
i stuck to brown paper bags
in kindergarten hand puppets
remember i miss our childhood
are you listening i can hear sirens
your new apartment is near
the police station god how
will you sleep knowing
we’re all chasing you
just kidding can’t remember
what it means either i love
you or maybe i’m forgetting
yes, you’re safe won’t crack
in the oven i know i’m sorry
i forgot what yes i said porcelain
won’t suffocate like we can
maybe meet for coffee
do you still need caffeine
now that you can sleep
at night if you’re sure
you’re ready just press start