sighs and closed eyelids,

taste of saltine crackers

between cracked lips.

 

hold my rib cage together

so my heart can’t escape

my chest.

 

pavement scratches my knees,

batters them, but it’s just a

misdemeanor.

 

slapped on the wrists

while walking on Mass Ave,

the rainbow road

marks my belonging.

 

claps and pats on the back

line the street,

and the feel of smiles

widen mine.

 

the shame I held fades,

regenerating pride.