My Body

i.

My body was a bear
caged on a circus train
in a party that brought it no delight
I was its master of tricks
putting it on stage
and myself a prisoner, I scratched
and cut and worked the bear
who threw itself against
the solid metal bars of its cage
banged its head, forgot how to walk
stumbled, on the ground, limp
the only sound from its mouth
a low quiet moan, a child wanting
to be held

Finally, we did
what neither of us knew
we could have done all along

free, we walked away
stumbling through the forest
our heads turned back
fearing being forced back
to madness.

we were uneasy partners
in our own escape.

she went into a cave
and I left her there.

for months we were alone.

ii.

drained from nightmares
facing the forest, I peered in,
and whispered her name

inviting me closer, I melted
into her warmth, laying beside
her in a circle on the ground

finally, home.