Spinal Chords

Stand up straight.

Roll your shoulders back.

Stop hunching over.

Me. I was naive.

The first bruise you kicked into my spine was the night I found you with her. Of course I forgave you.

Mom. She said to be good.

The next one came with the first dance. We ended staying out past curfew.

Teacher. He rolled his eyes at us and smiled.

I never even noticed that bruise until I was wondering if I even graduate.

Best Friends. They were jealous.

That injury was self-inflicted. I let them in too close.

You. You are the reason I cannot stand tall.

The final blow was the one that crippled my spinal chord.

So as I sit here, stooped over, I just want you to know that in my words, I am standing tall.
I am not going to let you, or her, or them, or anyone put the words into my mouth any longer.
I am going to straighten my bones, and say want I want.