tied around my neck are all
of the places i’ve never been
tired around my ankles
are all the places i’ve wanted to go
and tied around my fingers
are loose ends of your hair.
every time i grab my neck
i think of my mothers love
and my father’s presence
every time i grab my ankles
i think of your kind nature
and your hands on mine
every time i lift my hands
i’m reminded that i cannot
hold anything, because your hair
has bound my fingers together
in a way that ensures i cannot
self medicate like i wish to.