Degradation Madie Phillips, '23 I like to say I suck at things, Much like one sucks on a lollipop, A green apple one, to be exact. That burst of sugary sweet and joy Interwoven with breaks of longing For the sweetness again. I can have confidence in things for only so long Before either my mind or my body Decides to take a break from the lollipop, And I sit there yearning for the sweetness, The taste of pride and joy on my tongue. The flavor of green apple turns sour As I tell others that I suck because The breaks feel longer than the bursts of flavor; A lollipop only lasts for so long before dissolving.