Ugly Green

Saw the notification.

'Congrats, Sarah!'

with that stupid little bottle emoji.

And my stomach just dropped.

Like I’d eaten something bad.

Not a flicker of pride for her.

Just this sour knot.

I should be happy for her.

She worked hard.

But all I see is that green banner,

that bright, fake cheer.

And then I hate myself for seeing it.

This ugliness inside.

It sits there, heavy and wrong.

Wants to chew its way out.