The Crippled Place

I write & I don’t have to show my face.
I write & I don’t have to know my place.
I write & live at my own pace.

When I write, I write from a crippled place.

I write & I don’t have to hate myself. I write & I don’t have to lie.
I write knowing I can come off the shelf.

When I write, I write from a crippled place.

I write inside this prison that I & others built.
I write inside a dungeon of doubt.
I write so I can hide it with gilt.

When I write I write from a crippled place.

I write knowing it’s my only chance.
I write knowing it’s my lock-pick.
I write for a change in circumstance.

When I write I write from a crippled place.

I write because I cannot leave.
I write because I cannot stay. I write because it helps me grieve.

When I write, I write from a crippled place.

I write because no one is coming to relieve. I write because it makes me feel better.
I write because it helps the magic to believe.

When I write, I write from a crippled place. A place I know has no reprieve. And yet there’s a defiant smile on my face.