The zipper jams—stalls—snaps free

The zipper jams—stalls—snaps free

like a bad word muttered under breath.

Clothes spill out, a jumbled confession

against cracked linoleum.

A threadbare shirt catches on rough edge,

a tear blooming near the seam.

The suitcase lies open,

inviting the mess, the undone.

Each fold undone, a moment lost,

a suitcase half-packed with regret.

I close the lid—force the zipper,

a rough tug, an awkward click.

The tear widens—a wound I ignore,

a quiet failure sealed too fast,

like the stopgap promises

that never quite hold.