i cannot move
my body is bound, by
time and space
culture and class
gender and race
trauma and reluctance

i cannot move
my mind is distracted,
distressed,
occupied
by the binding of my body

i cannot move
my eyes are clouded, fixed on
the american dreamstate
where what binds my body
does not bind my trajectory

i cannot move
my heart is full, leaden
aching from the shared weight of
those with hearts beat
because their bodies are bound

i cannot move
my legs are unsure, as
there is nowhere else to go
this is my home, and

i cannot escape.

 

 

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