even breathing
pops vertebrae
up and down my spine
once words were my foremost concern
which to use
the order to place them
sonorous qualities and etymologies
now it is sleep
the ache in my feet
the strange pain in my chest
that may be dinner
and escapees
on the run
on the lam
getting out of dodge
leaving me with crisp
white
paper
number 15
Words and Feathers 
Phases of life bring new needs. Roll with & stretch to meet them, is all we can do…