Running empty

The spreadsheet stares back, a grid

of meaningless numbers.

My eyes trace the lines,

but the connections won't hold.

A dull ache behind the temples,

a grinding noise I can almost hear,

like gears slipping.

It's not working.

Just the blank screen,

reflecting my own tired face.

The cursor blinks, a patient lie.

No thought. Just static.

An empty hum.