Purpleheart pedestal

Grace Yanucci | Spring 2022

I can feel the notches in my spine
up against the bedpost;
I am surprised by my autonomy.
Shame.
A ribcage of wet shelves
Jerks as you bow your head
disdainfully.
Nailed down with approval,
conquered
Whether I know it or not.
Choking whimsically on lyrics I’ve heard before.
I am struggling with this
Pedestal of purpleheart;
And I am thinking of
How the king would perceive me now.
I don’t want to reveal myself
Anymore.