By: Emily Ao

Rubber duck —

floating aimlessly

in the reflections

of the people

who have lit

a spark in you.

Rubber duck —

rocking and swaying brutally on

the crashing tidal waves

of tears from

the spout

but still,

it stays afloat,

voices of

encouragement screaming

in its head.

Too soon,

the drain clog retracts,

reflections passing by passively

down the abyss,

never to be seen again.

Rubber duck —

voices all gone,

sinks slowly.

down…

down…

down…

Shining acrylic walls.

which were once protection

from the cruel outside

now encage

this rubber duck.