For most people
        chains are apart of their being.
                    They are chained to a job
                                                             ­             a loved one
                                                             ­     a spouse
                                                          ­                           a child
                                                           ­                                                 a friend.
                                                      I have no such binds.
                        My chains reach inward.
                                               violently grasping
                     at something to secure.
                                        each morning when I stretch the early frost from my spine
                                                           ­          I breathe in the cold air
                                                      and the metal knot around my stomach
                                                         ­                                                      constricts.
                                                     ­                                                                 ­                Just.
                                                                ­                                                                 ­                 a little.
                                                         ­                                                                 ­                                       tighter.