Beginning to Breathe

A Poem

Photo by Karim MANJRA on Unsplash

I am a child whose heart has no home
I’ve been removed from memories
With intent
Shunned

Who is she
between the pendulum swings

I critique my own reflection
Until space I occupy is less
Until words in my skin are the only meaning
Until light is gone

What is she
between the pendulum swings

Removed from memories
With intent
Shunned
Cut out
The scapegoat

Where is she
between the pendulum swings

Critiques of reflection
Spaces occupied, less
Words in skin, penultimate
to emptiness —

And when her light is gone

I’ll breathe in the good.
I’ll hold onto hope.

For a little while longer.

Photo by Nihal Demirci on Unsplash