everything is different now
where i once lived in excess
covered walls, covered tabletops
too many books, too many things
now i live hollow
nothing on the walls, nothing on the tabletops
not enough books, not enough things
no longer have i the comfort of what i was
only the hum of the air conditioning and the press of the too-close ceiling
choking me
drowning me
my old friends, old lovers, they are now replaced with new versions
they are not the same as i left them
where once i wouldve wrapped an arm, i remain rooted in place
even the city seems different
what once was bright and new is dark and unwelcoming
no longer open arms and a fond smile
the streets are full of memories
these streets that felt like home, no longer want me