Overstimulated

I went to a coffee shop
In the name of accomplishing
Something
Anything.
But the sounds of espresso beans grinding
And milk steaming
And customers murmuring
Caused my brain to churn uncomfortably.

So I went outside
In the name of breathing
fresh air
And sunshine.
But the sounds of brakes squealing
And cars speeding
Coupled with the glare of sunlight,
Blinding
Unnerved me so.

I went back inside
And put in earplugs
In the name of quieting the noise.
But I found the sounds of my own thoughts
Intruding
overpowering
Too loud.
So I gave up and put
My head down
And watched
As silent tears
Pooled on the table.