Ellen Kennedy, “Jean Rhys”

I’m preparing myself for an extended period of loneliness
That will begin very soon I think
I’ve illegally downloaded two new depressing songs
I’ve placed a copy of Good Morning, Midnight under my pillow for easy reference
I’ve printed out the tablature for every Morrissey song I know so I can sing them to myself
Alone in my room
Just a few things are needed really
To make me calm
While I figure out a simple, clean, and effective way to kill myself,
With minimal stress for the person who has to find and dispose of my body
But I’ll probably never think of a way
Because I’ll probably never kill myself
I’ll just lie in my bed suffocating myself with my pillows
While listening to the four songs you said were your favorite
And maybe burn myself a little with the iron
On special occasions
And the next time I’m in a subway station,
I’ll stand a little further on the yellow line
Or maybe the next I’m at your apartment
I’ll try a little harder


Ellen Kennedy, “Jean Rhys” from Sometimes My Heart Pushes My Ribs. Copyright © 2009 by Ellen Kennedy.

Source: poetryfoundation.org

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  1. beeftown reblogged this from millionsmillions
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  3. kafkanaut reblogged this from millionsmillions and added:
    Oh god now I have go reread every Jean Rhys novel.
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