little treeling
reaching down into ground
attempting life

And like that
my voice has been stolen away
Anxiety barricades like invisible steel walls
Trapped, I’m left banging with clenched fists
A prisoner within my own head
My brain a chemically imbalanced warden
My mind in solitary confinement

the angel on my shoulder
picked up smoking,
the devil on the other
took up yoga—

they don't know
how much they have
in common.

Have you ever
Felt so tired
That all you want to do
Is cuddle up
Under the blankets
To sleep

Have you ever felt
Like the winter weather
Is wanting you
To slow down
And rest

Have you ever felt
Like time has sped up
And your body is slowing down

Have you ever

i am not an it.
i am not an object.
i have a pulse.
i have a beating heart.
i am made of stardust.
i am made up of skin and bones.
and you still call me an **it.
your mind can't grasp the idea that
i am a strong woman one day
and a strong male the next.