I try to stand -
stand tall -
try to imagine each vertebrae
stacked neatly upon the next
supporting
stabilizing
a column of strength.
There's a string of silver
fastened to the nook
on my chest
pulling
anchoring
reminding.
Shoulders back.
But then,
in a moment of neglect,
I falter
retreat
the string breaks
I tumble forward
vertebrae fall
sliding away
and I crumple
into a small heap
on the ground.