As a baby I reached out

past tears

and was met with nothing. 

This body of mine is stubborn in her pain.

This body denies the immensity of her loss. 

She holds me.

She is me.

I hold her back. 

Ever since then I enter spaces 

scared they will refuse to hold me.

Every person I meet

I wait for them to put me down.

Still, I stay

resilient.

I hold my own hand

and I claim myself.

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