~

They build sturdy houses

dense

set too close together

Tactful queries like origami darts

traverse the narrow spaces

~

It’s the women

the older ones first

I bring them warm water

They look in their silk panties for one drop of blood. A sign?

I smell

only urine

~

My powder blue coat has stains from breakfast.

I remember when my sheets smelled like cheese

wrapped around my swollen breasts every time I dreamt

of my stolen child.

~

A mirror is still flat

even if

in it

I can see what is behind me.

~

I have left my face on the wall

no one can see my terror

~

It’s the women….the older ones first

I am young

I am nothing

~

“”””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””

“””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””