Asha Kulkarni is a sophomore who loves reading (and writing) stories that make her cry. Her favorite authors are Laurie Halse Anderson, Leigh Bardugo, and N.K. Jemisin.

 Wrap me in fabric. 

Pattern me 

cinched, 

waisted. 

Sit pretty, 

a snail shell curled over 

to tumble inside. 

My tear ducts don’t work 

the way they’re supposed to. Like weight, 

laden shopping bags, 

crumpled-up paper. 

They scratch, those full bladders. the movie screen’s bright. 

If I were combusted, 

I’d fling out the aisles. 

We’d run through the cameras, we’d flash 

up the price tags on 

target. 

Keep laughing. 

Please notice 

the space you walk is 

filled.