23

I trace a line down my forehead

a wrinkle?

already?

how can that be?

I’m only 23.

I get up.

My body aches, my bones crack, the dull pain in my neck is more apparent

it’s aging I say

Maybe it’s the industry I’m in

Or just how society is these days

but I have extreme age anxiety.

More often than not

I’ll find myself lying in bed

Counting the days until 24, 25, 30

Wondering if I have enough time to do what I want

People are always wanting

younger

vibrant

less melancholic

more teenage dream

So I find myself

trying to feel youthful

trick them, trick me

even though I’m literally only

23.