i carry my grief
like a baby in my arms
protecting it with my life
but this baby is not a baby
but a snake
i want to let go
but i can’t
it’s got its tail wrapping and encircling
up and up my arms
and it’s fangs sunk deep into my wrists
why do i protect and nurture something that’s slowly killing me?
i know what i am carrying
but someone please help me open my eyes and realize
that killing this grief
is the only way to save myself