2007

by Þorvaldur Sigurbjörn Helgason

2007

it’s 2007 and time stands still for thirty three minutes and three seconds time
stands still and I don’t think because for thirty three minutes and three seconds I
don’t exist don’t think of the English class that I’m missing don’t think of the
crumpled sandwich wrapper beside me don’t think of the bell for class don’t
think of the whispers don’t think of the ambulance don’t think of my red shirt
with the Arabic pattern cut open don’t think of mom and dad getting a call at
work don’t think of my brother and sister crying don’t think of my shocked
classmates don’t think of the girl that I fell on who thought I was hitting on her
don’t think of the fourth grade girls who called 911 don’t think of the history test
on Friday don’t think of the hazing next week don’t think of the girl I’ve got a
crush on don’t think of my virginity don’t think of my heart don’t think of its beat
it doesn’t exist for thirty three minutes and three seconds I don’t exist I lie
motionless on a cold floor paramedics shock me twelve times a thousand volts
but I don’t move because I don’t exist I am dead I am dead I am dead I am dead I
am dead I am dead I am dead I am dead I am dead I am dead I am dead

I am dead

Written and translated by Þorvaldur Sigurbjörn Helgason.
Edited by Meg Matich and Magnús Sigurðsson.