Cancer Pagurus

There is something in the air.
A subtle thing in my own
circulating breath.

I try to
understand,
not judge.

This is how I've always been.

If I judge,
it's out of
intense dislike.

Backtrack.
Let's start again.

Slowly, carefully,
I crack into shell after shell.

There is so much to
see,
learn,
and reveal.

I can do this
without exposing too much.

Who's up for the challenge?

This skin, thick with unspoken words,
has since hardened.

One giant callous.
One giant shell.

Slowly, carefully,
crack it open.

Gently.
I am still a delicate thing.

I'll let you, but
don't treat me like a delicate thing.

There's something in the air,
a thought whispering in the harsh light.
It's both quiet and loud.

Slowly, carefully.

It's already begun.

[ SJM ]