scrolling through my camera roll
bruises in dirt
kneeling
between the bars
i see myself
pigtails, paperclips
and a tricycle.
sheer black, chevron
stiff cotton pleats
looking away
stand still
slipping away
smile,
it is the first day.
true blue
sky sea salt screen
small smile swoop
no, not like this,
like this, how?
i do not know
how do i look?
even smaller.
big girl, warm glow
butter leaves, sparkling
right here, how do i
stand still?
right here
with my heart
outside my body
right here
bruising,
tender.
i turn,
watching.
my life unfolds
in layers,
upon layers,
before me.