I’m Tired by Melissa Mahadeo (Pennsylvania, 24)

​lowly
lonely
low-key
i miss the old me
a girl more carefree
less ugly
sweet like honey
no filter
off-kilter
please don’t kill her
she’s pure, clean
serene, sleeping the sleep of a seemingly innocent
dream
girl
don’t scream

unease
i hold my knees
to my chest
they want the best for me
all i want is to rest
my head on the concrete
stop breathing, play dead
forget
about the future
but instead
i get out of bed
forget what i said
find a new repose
i suppose
i’m supposed to
feel okay
at least that’s what they say
but how many times
does a girl have to start over before she loses her mind?




Melissa Mahadeo is a twenty-four-year-old aspiring poet from Allentown, Pennsylvania. As her primary creative outlet, she often writes verses about romance, mentalities, and moments of stillness. When she's not writing, she enjoys singing, making art, and watching K-dramas.