Unbreakable

A thousand shattered pieces

on a sticky lino floor

sour, red liquid seeping into the worn rug’s edges

No.

That’s not me.

A balled-up fist

on a bruised cheekbone

blood trickling out between broken teeth

No.

That’s not me.

A child waiting, alone

in a dark closet

rocking back and forth, to quell his fear

No.

That’s not me.

I

breathe

claw

crawl

walk

run

jump

soar

– yes, that’s me,

and as long as there is life in me, kindness in others, and goodness in this world,

I shall not be

broken.