I have been running from myself
Ever since I lost her
My first home, my mirror.
I keep moving faster than
The iron that’s dragging my heart
Changing identities like hats to try on.
Names that didn’t fit
Looking for home in foreign spaces.
I didn’t want it to be my story.
I didn’t want it to be my pain.
I used to wear flowers in my hair
And played with ladybugs in the fields.
I still smell the metal monkey bars
When I’m doing my best to forget.
Slowly, oh so slowly
Am I beginning to recognize myself again.