i tried.

I tried, but
the eggshells you set out for me,
a challenge for my careful feet-
I broke them.
I tried, but
even when I used
the French soap my mother bought me-
I couldn’t get clean.
I tried, but
the plane ticket I spent all my money on
just couldn’t take me far enough.
I tried, but
your water would not stay cupped in my hands,
and fell instead
pearlescent on the undeserving floor.
I tried, but
no amount of sunlight will make me open my eyes
I just don’t want to see.