Her words folded round me stiff and cold

Her words folded round me, stiff and cold,

a coat I never chose to hold.

Creased and frayed at elbow seams,

a fabric thick with silent dreams.

I tried it on, but it’s too tight,

shoulders slump beneath her might.

The leather cracked beneath my weight,

heavy pockets stuffed with fate.

I shed the coat beneath the light,

and stand again in thinner night.