Electra Woman And Her Battery-Powered Headaches

My eyes are squeezed tight and suffocating under three layers of blanket
as if the pain in my forehead could be snuffed out.
But still, the light is blinding, my mind ablaze
like glow-sticks cracked a few too many times.

I snapped one all the way open once.
I remember how the fluorescence seeped out, sinking into palms of my hands.
It was Halloween and the lunch lady screamed something about blood poisoning
But I liked the color.

Maybe she was right
because now my blood is electric green and I’m leaking.
Its slipping off the sheets and pooling on the floor

It doesn’t have time to stain
Before the ants arrive to lap up my mess.

I should probably tell them the glow kills.
Instead, I grab the Raid and spray until my nose is clogged.

The massacre has caused the bedroom to tremble, and three full water glasses slip off my
windowsill, smashing on the floor.
A flood of week-old water carries away the carcasses.

I used to try drowning my headaches. A liter each hour until I threw it all up and started again.
But I’ve learned that an electric soul is no friend to the sea.
My wires are frayed in too many places to count.
Dangerous like a curling iron teetering on the edge of the bath.

But I’m feeling reckless this morning, so I crawl across the leftover puddle
Scattering sparks with every inch.

I know this ache could be cured if I was still small
I would curl up in the dog’s bed, knees to nose, and cry until the glow was all gone
She would lick my tears until I giggled

But my own tongue can’t reach

Instead, I fumble under my chin until I find the scar, leaking in all its neon glory
And pull the batteries out one by one.

Maybe the voltage is taking its toll
But to be noticed is so rare, and my Gatorade-green blood has always done the trick.
I shove the new double A’s in and swallow three Excedrins dry.

Besides, I’ve always wanted electricity in my veins.