7/1/2020

Dream that I am a bird.
Dream that I can fly.
Dream that the wings are ripped, and I wonder
what’s happening here
and how these things seem so familiar.

Dream that I am a lizard.
Dream that each night I hide under the rock,
the owl sees me I know but I do not give in.

Dream that I am a person.
A lady—whatever that means.
Dream that I walk hand in hand,
weep until the lace from my dress is drenched,
and the Mississippi River starts at my eyes.

Dream that I am here.
Dream that I am not here anymore and that in not being here am wanting to leave you.
Dream that I am independent.
Dream that I don’t need you or myself or this body.
Dream that I am cut from the binds of life, more tears.
Dream that I burn myself on the cast iron, on purpose.
Dream that I burn myself on the cast iron, on accident.

Dream until I cannot sleep longer,
dream during the day until I cannot wake longer.
Dream that in the time it takes me to pull each hair from its root in my scalp,
I waste away,
and become what I’ve been waiting for.

7/1/2020