Fragile Orb of Crystal

~

I hold my breath as if a fragile orb of crystal is held up next to my stomach, and if I exhale it shall shatter and shower the earth with empty hope.

I tiptoe around as if its broken glass surrounds me, and one misstep will pierce my heel and my sole shall bleed out.

I bite my tongue until it’s numb, as if the next word I whisper will sour and denounce the thousands that I uttered before it. 

But what’s left of me is a careful yet breathless and unhealable soul, bereft of her own voice.

~