Personification of the Essay

Luke Holm earned bachelor's degrees in English and philosophy from NIU. He is a middle school teacher and a creative writer.

Denial

Have we met?

I'll make you sweat
with heart beating to exhaustion

and you, throwing caution
to the wind...

Did you intend
to prolong our fate?

Increasing self loathing and hate, I am always on the tip of your mind.

Before long, you find
that you can wait no longer.

In this moment, I'll make you stronger
than you've ever been before.

Dig deep into your core
and know that I am ready.

So write me steady,
across the page,

releasing me from my cage,
into the world, clean or messy--

I am your imminent essay.