Coffee Therapy

Fernando A. Funes

Like my peasant ancestors in El Salvador,
I too treat my undiagnosed ADHD
with at least 4-5 cups of coffee a day.
Not enough sleep, bits and bits and more bits, 
sudden outbursts of anger that seem to come 
from nowhere and dissipate as soon as they begin, 
and music, always music, or sports radio or the news 
or some background noise to block the unceasing 
Inner monologue I can't turn off. I am not my thoughts, 
but I can't stop them. They come at me, wave after wave.
Delusions of grandeur punctuated with shame 
for not doing more, being more, for squandering 
gifts, privileges, and advantages no one before me has had.
But coffee seems to do the trick (along with everything else).

Originally on Fernando’s IG.