it's shifting, the sky up there

the sunlight carving
carrying spirals
into the crevice of my elbow

i am curled into myself again

hurt radiates
don't center me in this light
put shadow around my shoulders
i'll feel safe if the sun is quiet

am i spiraling, going inward
& down to a dark place

is this an exploration of
the unsteadiness
felt the unlucky lover lost, alone

they seek self, not to be sated.