Boundaries

The shadows creep,

trying to reach

through the barricade,

but every wall,

every brick, she’s installed

knows their wicked shape

and calls them out by name.

The darkness tries,

to usurp the light,

coming up from the ground below

but she’s poured concrete

beneath her feet

and placed rebar

underneath her souls.

The winter chill

blows strong and fierce

Looking for cracks

to break within

but her resounding “NO”

has traced each pain

with silicone

so the winter wind won’t win.

She sips her tea

with honey sweet,

enjoys libations soaked in cinnamon,

though the dark winter creeps,

and on doors beats,

the strength she’s built

will never let them

back

in