A War On This Body

by Max Pelkey

I’ve been waiting for my body to harden

From years of wear, it has succumbed to agony

With loose limbs, thinner skin, and creased eyes.

I have been with this body my whole life,

It brings me to and fro

Holds my head upright atop my neck,

Keeps my feet stable when I walk, only slightly teetering off balance on occasion.

Though I have tried to mummify myself,

Preserve what is here while I have it, for each year's war has become more violent And my soul needs a vessel to stay in for some time.

But, against my wishes

Despite my pleading,

It’s become softer, more malleable,

Less clay, more sand

Reactionary to others’ thoughts, feelings, and opinions.

I bruise easily,

I bleed from soft touches

And I often feel stones in my shoes.

No matter how many times I check, there is always something poking me,

Nagging,

Begging

Not so patiently waiting for my attention.

This, I could certainly do without.

I know many soldiers in wars are seen as heroes,

But I am not one of them,

I am waving my white flag,

I’m ready for an ending.

This body and I,

Surrender.

***

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