this state of lonliness

where im from
lonliness is not common
so
this space
this silence
this fracture in my soul
is foreign
is like sand under my eyelids
is
mother disconnected from first child
is
ropes held onto for safety that
stretch then scream
then give
like you
released me

lonliness is not common
when i'm from
so i will not be adjusting
when i know
what it feels like
to be held
loved kissed
known
intimately
my heart will not accept
this prison..
(C)2003 jamila j.