Breaking

How long?

How much longer before I break,

.......................Most literally?

...........................................................I’ve   l a c e d   myself with   r i b b o n s ,

.................................As one might   l a c e  a drink with alcohol   p o i s o n.

......The only difference being that I show no symptoms.

....................................................................................................But, I am   a f r a i d ,

.........And I grow   e v e n   m o r e   f e a r f u l as my veins b r u i s e ,

......................................................................And my skin   b l a c k e n s .

So how long?

H o w   l o n g before the patterns   t e a r   my   s k i n

............................................As easily as scissors through  c h i f f o n ?

For   h o w   m u c h   l o n g e r   will they insist on drawing their dress patterns upon my body?

I am no mannequin, and they do not hesitate to remind me thus.

When the problem is   c h r o n i c   and there is no cure,

You won’t stop   f a l l i n g   until you’re down on the floor.

The ground is cold and you’re on your own.

You must help yourself up, in rock-bottom land.

There is no one around; you’re your own helping hand.

And only after you  s w e a t   and break your   b o n e s  trying to master that 90 degree angle,

All made up of rocks and broken glass,

Will you realize that  y o u   w i l l   a l w a y s   b e   b r o k e n .

Only once you’ve had to wipe sweat from your brow,

Will you fully feel   g r a v i t y , and understand how.

And then,

And only then,

Will you be allowed to   a s k   y o u r s e l f   t h e   q u e s t i o n ;

W h a t   d o  y o u   d o   n o w ?