– weight –

Pale and withdrawn

Afraid to be seen

Like an invalid

Lost to the light for years

Now shuddering in the sun.

In love with the journey

But obstinately, firmly shut off

To any dalliances along the way.

Tell me, how else should it be?

How else can it be?

Hiding from revelation

Is the only self-preservation

Available to her now.

I hold her, caress her in hopes

Of softening, opening, unclasping

That which has forgotten how

To breathe.