Stretching

STRETCHING

Stretching too thin- there’s a lot on my plate,

But it’s mostly busywork, things to keep my mind straight-

As a way to silence the cries of my broken heart.

Stretching to move- one more pull and I might tear.

How much is too much? How much processing

And sitting in grief and pain and discomfort is enough?

Stretching my legs after long aimless walks,

The tired but warm glows actually feels good-

As my muscles relax into the floor where I like to sit.

Stretching my stiff neck after another sleepless night

On an unfamiliar bed and cheap pillows.

Curled up tight with my face buried for comfort.

Stretching to reach the next unlocked door-

I can almost reach it, I’m almost ready to relax.

And when I do, and turn the knob, what will I find?

Stretching because I want to know- what does the future hold?

Things might be really lovely there, if I could just release the contractions

Pulling me back, keeping me anchored in this airless room.

TMD 4/23/24

30-day poems with @beausia