I look around at the faces I love,

The places they are in, and I’m happy for them but

I wish I could shake the feeling I’m being outpaced

In the race of life. Trying to keep up, while I save up,

Put on make-up to hide the dark circles derived

From the to-do list that I recite on a loop,

In my head at night as I lie there, awake.

Mortgages, money, motherhood,

Master a career in a male-dominated world,

Maintain a healthy relationship, make love regularly,

Make time for the old, make effort to try the new,

Meal preparation, manage my mental health,

Mull over great philosophical queries and ameliorate oneself.

Meanwhile, I attempt to maintain some semblance of sanity.

I think, as I sip on my third glass of wine,

Everything is on fire, but it’s fine.

By Jordanne Kennaugh