I woke today and found my hands no longer belonged to the girl I was. (They trembled like old leaves.) I counted the lines across my face and could not remember when they began. (They told the story better than I could.) I reached for a name in the dark and discovered it had slipped away. (It hid with the others I’ve forgotten.) I tried to sing a song I once knew by heart but the melody broke in my throat. (It did not return.) I remembered the first time I was called beautiful and wondered if it was the last. (The mirror gave no answer.) I carried my strength like a shield but found it rusting in the corner. (It could not be lifted.) I thought of all the futures I once held close like fire in my chest. (They faded before I could choose one.) I spoke to the silence, asking how many days were left to wander. (It did not reply.) I looked into the night and realized I was already part of it. (It welcomed me home.)
