I often wish my senses were duller,
My parents’ raised voices would seem half as loud,
Insults from others, I would not comprehend,
And the stupid comments would not enter my eardrums.

I often wish my senses were duller,
Facial expressions, I could no longer analyze,
The pimples on my face, I would not notice,
And people and places would all mesh together.

I often wish my senses were duller,
My taste buds would be free from the metallic taste of pain and suffering,
They no longer would endure the saltiness of the drops that slip from my cheek to my mouth,
And they would be free from the bitter taste of hatred.

I often wish my senses were duller,
I would not smell the scent of chlorine and sweat as I prepare for gym class,
I would not recognize the aroma of body odor during long afternoons,
And I would not smell yesterday’s remnants brewing in today’s cafeteria soup,

I often wish my senses were duller,
So would not have to feel the ache in my stomach,
So I would not have to feel the world’s coarseness on my delicate fingertips,
So I would not have to feel the emptiness in my heart.