Storm of the Century Written by: Jim J. Barakat You make this seem so simple, as simple as ending your life. That’s something I’d try again, just not in the same fashion. You’ve got a head start so don’t make me feel worse, although I don’t think that’s humanly possible; which makes me wonder why I’m still alive. I should be you and you should be me; intertwined to the inside of my mind with no way of escaping. I feel only regret and minimal signs of remorse. Take over my life, and then please let me take it back. The storm is coming in; I could feel it in my bones and moving through my spine like my memories of you. We’d better run for cover because the forecast is so fucked just like all those tears you’d shed; signs of weaknesses in our lives. Red flags have gone up and the coast guard is in the bay; fighting off what’s to come and just adding to my anxiety. I am out in the waters and I am ready to die. I am ready to go home. Will you please take me home? Washed up; broke down. Have another episode for mom; then leave it bottled up inside and then take it out on me. I can’t take this yelling and I can’t stand her fucking face like I can’t stand this fucking music; I wish I could just turn it all off. But seeing that look in your eyes is making me think twice. Maybe I could wait this out one more week and then maybe I’ll be fine. But I’ve been here before and I will be here again. Except this time it’s real bad and that storm it’s coming in. ©2008