Distraction

One light out of 86 flickers
Like it’s trying to tell me a secret
Listen
Words echo around
I count the lights
The windows
31, if you include the stained glass
That reflects on the speaker
Listen
The chandelier has one light out
Two of the light covers don’t match
Listen
14 people sit in front of me
Tapping feet
Tip
                tap
tip
                tap
Leaning in to whisper
Listen

Lana is an undergraduate student majoring in English at Cumberland University. She has published one children’s book and two YA novels. Her essay, “Fort Nashborough,” was selected for Volunteer State Community College’s 2022-2023 edition of Best Essays. Lana loves to write, read, and paint. You can follow her @WritingEclipses on nearly all social media and her artwork can be found under #LLoweArts on Instagram.