The room was cold

Or maybe it was her

Wearing only blue jeans

And sandals on her feet

With a flowered print cape

Covering her breasts

She tried not to think

Too much

Too long

To breathe instead

And give it all

To God

The ache she felt

Tender to the touch

Made her feel so alone

So aware

She reached up underneath

Stroked the places where it hurt the most

She looked everywhere

In the sterile room

But found what she needed

Layered on her wrist

“You were given this life, because you are strong enough to live it.”

Òh, yes.

Damn straight

“She believed she could, and so she did.”

Amen.

Every bracelet she wears

Is a gift

It makes her think

Of the person that loved her enough

To give her what she needed

To get through days like this

When she has to sit

All by herself

Again and again

And she felt peace

About her bracelets and her breasts

Jeanna’ Mead. 7:07. 8.30.20