I Stand

…

I would breathe

if I could breathe.

My lungs are tight,

my chest, contracted.

I cannot find the air.

My breath fails me,

but I stand.

…

I stand with them

crowding,

judging.

I do not look;

the ground is my sight,

my only friend.

…

I wear no clothes;

only lies, secrets,

and shame.

…

I stand,

breathless, naked,

and silent

like a newborn babe.

Unlike the babe,

I will not scream

or find air.

They will wrap me in

no blankets.

…

I stand

breathless, naked,

and silent.

For you.