[Passionaria]

Gazing
into the mirror
looking deep into myself
reflecting
on choices made
each layer
an interweaving
constructing a fabric
laid so tight
it became unmovable
molding me
out of my own form
and into this
confined garment
in which I can't breathe

This bustier
fabric woven
of beautiful intentions
laced tight with
choices
untrue to myself
cutting me off from
breath
from life
from my own power

gazing
into the mirror
looking deep into myself
reflecting
on choices made
watching my own eyes
I reach behind
and begin to unhook
the top one
beautiful dream
but no room for me
second hook
releases
negativity not my own
third hook
is broken
things destroyed
with harsh words
moving downward
naming out load
each release
both good and bad
that clenched my soul
in this Bustier
woven with good intentions
watching this garment
worn for so long
release
peeling
from my body
and with the last
unhooking
it drops to the floor
and I gasp for air
like a swimmer
who almost drown

looking into my own eyes
tears fall like rain
on my breasts
what do you do
when you have been
untrue to yourself?

Wrapping myself
in the softness I share
so freely with others
I look deeply into my own eyes
and whisper
tenderly
I am so sorry I hurt you
and I breathe