I've seen it for years
the red ribbons
fluttering and snapping to wrap around me
tighten me to a cocoon
I cannot breathe
fever dream encasing me so extreme
sweat broken and ridges remain in my skin
I've felt it since I was thirteen
the red ribbons
tightly threaded to my body
holding me down in a limbo of safe and caution
bitter pitted cherries smudged on my lips
tingles that chase down my spine and frozen limbs
discomfort is home and I don't go out much
and when sickness strikes me I know the red ribbons will follow