In one breath I take in
what my body has not yet decided
to accept.
It is not air. It is life.
I need it just as I need air.
The breath of the world
so tangible on my tongue.

I need it.

But breathing does not help.
I can not absorb it,
as others can.
I have to feel it. Touch it.
But there is nothing to touch.

Why?

What's wrong? They ask.
Why are you so sad today?
I did not find my life today.
I could not breathe it in
and my touch slid off of its surface
like the air I do not need
over my cold, dead skin.