The blue light from the screen

The blue light from the screen

paints the room in false night.

Another promotion, another

executive title for someone I knew.

His headshot, all teeth and suit,

clean edges.

My thumb scrolled past too slow,

dragging that bright, confident smile

across my own face,

a sickly reflection.

The sour taste at the back of the throat,

heavy and small.

Not pride, no.

Just the slow, hot pull

of want.