Boxed Brightness

Bright colors peel from the chipped box,

a cartoon grin too sharp for morning.

I traced the promise of vitamins,

words stacked like a half-forgotten song.

Sugar-coated lies in neat rows,

empty calories in bold print.

The toast burned, smoke pulling soft,

a breakfast burned before it began.

Behind the cheer, dull mornings drag,

a quiet hunger no box can fill.