my mother gave me a key with
a beautiful ivory string to wrap
around my neck.

this key has tore me apart,
ripping my limbs gently, slowly.
as if to tell me I better not pause
on my feet for a minute as it
is always there to remind me -
there are no breaks
from which it feeds.

this key has been my enemy
as I've chased after it
springing through streets willingly
passed by.

and it dangles its presents before
me to instill a poison that I
will never be enough.

this key wakes me, punching my
eyes open wide.

i dreamed it took me to France
and Prague, ran my fingers on
antique armchairs and vases
i would dare to buy just to trash.

i'm going to give this to someone
who believes in it more than I ever have.