A white walled room holds only one bunk bed,
many bodies come and go,
families of two, four, six,

10 spaces available,
28 days to restructure your whole life,

children’s laughter phases out sounds of slammed doors,
a mixture of emotions fully expressed,
ambiance level has been set to safety,

children with brief friendships that last for their stay,
a mini-break for survivors,
not long enough to recuperate,

trauma has made “our bodies tired,”
left over belongings of an abusive relationship:

a few toys for the children,
a diaper bag for the baby,
a duffel bag of clothes,
and a whole lot of maybe.

Those can be placed in the closet.
Welcome to our shelter.