i told myself, upon waking up.

no.
there's something on the ceiling.
a void stared at me, full of judgement and satisfaction.
i thought i've woken up? is this still my dream or

it hissed, piercingly, then jumped onto me. i woke up. this time for real? my head hurts.

felt just like that one time. shame circle. good enough, not good enough. enough, enough, enough.

dream/reality. dream + reality
dream = reality.

i've never been afraid of them. its the


gaze


that i wish didnt set me ablaze.