Sneaking Out

knife in the screen

that covers your window

slicing it open

so you can crawl out

a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis

to find your place in the world.

sneaking out

in the middle of the night

craving adventure

in your boring suburban life

so you sneak out

not to meet a boyfriend

or girlfriend, no.

you sneak out

so you can wander

your best friend's woods

and wash your hands in the muddy stream

and cut your arms on branches and rocks

and walk barefoot until your feet itch

you slit your screen door

so you can have an adventure

one that doesn't involve anyone

but yourself

and a broken screen.