“I have found my body collapsible”

“I have found my body collapsible,”

a fold-up accessory to be slipped

in a pocket

a car console

or a box of tic-tacs.

I have found my body accessible,

knees bent

Elbows back to support

my curving spine

I have found myself collapsible,

a compact mirror

only to be pulled out

when you cannot see yourself

through any other means.

I have found myself collapsible,

even my voice on text

doesn’t reach across the divide,

let alone my scream.

I have found myself collapsible,

like a disposable water bottle,

crumpled and twisted,

once my life-giving waters

have been sucked dry,

thrown in a corner

Never to be filled up again.

I have found myself collapsible,

I have found myself collapsible.

Reviews

[Einstein Noodle]

wow! very engaging from the start .. love the use of quotes! your protagonist is speaking directly to me ... and the repetition works .. a slow build of creative tension ... my slow dawning on whats being said ... i see her ...checking her "looks" .. popping the mints ... quick touch up job on her face ... trying everything to find something real about her "self" ... so well done! very emotive and poignant ... incredibly important message for all ... this one is drowning ... so needs a genuine helping hand .. someone she doesn't need to spread her legs for ... so glad i noticed you moniker on a review you did for someone else ... with a name like "lizardbrain" i could not resist checking out your stuff ;) peace and love to ya lizard!
E.

[Chris Shaw]

This is a powerful piece of writing and speaks strongly to me of someone who has been knocked down in size. Someone who is feeling quite small. A put down or spiteful words or hurt can do that to you. If you are a sensitive soul, you would feel that and live it. Well done. I like this poem very much.

Chris

[red.evangeline]

Good poem. I liked your use of repetition and the phrase "I have found myself collapsible" is interesting and full of meaning. It certainly captured my attention.