it’s still hours from morning
my back aches
and I can’t get my mind to stop spinning
in circles

anger bubbles up
because I cannot control my thoughts
even with all the
training
that forces my mind to stay focused
despite the crowds
despite the music
despite the other gymnasts
but there are no crowds
no music
and still I cannot
get that place
that night
out of my head

somebody please
tell me
how to
erase memories