1. A house like my chest and livelihood
Narrow like my nature and morals

2. I filled it, sick and ill
With me, my sickness, and my poverty

3. Each limb pressed against the next
My veins against veins

4. Until my heels nearly
Touched the soles of my feet

5. My tongue cannot turn
In the middle of my mouth

6. And if I dared in it
My throat and mouth couldn’t meet

7. I felt safe from death
While it choked my breath

8. Because my soul hasn’t found
Space to flourish and grow