I’m bound.

Gossamer strands invisible

Wrap me in a loving embrace.

Be calm

Be still

Be safe

I flex

Bands stretch.

I reach out

Bands contract.

I’m bound.

I struggle,

I twist and turn,

I break a strand!

Bands tighten,

I can’t breathe.

Be still

Be calm

Be good

I stop struggling,

Bands relax.

I probe the boundary,

Bands tense.

I withdraw to where it’s safe,

Bands relax.

Years pass.

I move inside my cocoon,

Built by others,

Accepted in the end.

Comfortable boundaries.

Ignore the longing

Ignore the need

Ignore the pain

I look down.

A knife is in my hand.

I slash at the bands,

They writhe away.

I take a step,

They strike back.

I start to walk away,

They catch at my arms and legs.

Come back.

Be still

Be good

Be safe