Riddle

“We’ve got to get a clearer understanding of what justice is and what people need to feel whole.” – Tarana Burke, founder of the #MeToo movement

RIDDLE

Deep / is not / inside your belly 
but a muscled door 
forced open 
to the other side 
of quiet. 

Once there 
a deep piercing 
commands 
a long / deep / breath 
praying 
for the end. 

You, Woman, wince 
You, Woman, muffle your cries
You, Woman, tense your muscles 
You, Woman, purse your lips 
trying / to prove / I am strong
when no one knows
you’re IN it.

Peace / abruptly thrown / into chaos 
feels like endless thrashing 
stuck inside
a tiny closet. 

There is no dream analysis
/ not then /
for broken or whole or
falling or flying except

the exit 
leaves a tender wound 
too shaken 
to scream 
in the dark.