by Jaci Schreckengost

I know the world is
on fire, but, please,
still remember to
lock the door. You
know I would have
checked it at least
three times.

Grab what you need,
but nothing more.
Please leave behind
all the time I wasted
waiting for this to happen.

Grab the love, your
favorite memories,
and our family photo,
all the things we
— no, it’s just you now —
you can’t live without.

Don’t forget to zip
the duffel bag.

Are you sure the door is locked?

Did you set the alarm?

Jaci Schreckengost (she/her) is a content marketing manager, writer, and editor. She has been published in Citrus Industry Magazine, GalaxyQ, the Independent Florida Alligator, it’s magazine, Pentz Zines, and others. She holds an MFA in writing from the Savannah College of Art & Design. You can find her on Instagram at @jacischreckengost.