The gown fell open at the back

The gown fell open at the back,

I couldn't hold it closed—

thin fabric with no snaps, no knack

for staying whole, I suppose.

My hands were cold, the gap too wide,

and in that hallway of strangers

everyone was learning what to hide—

nothing, and how it changes.

The nurse walked past without a word,

adjusted it like this was just

what happened, just what's heard

when you put on what the place has.

Everyone here is opened bare,

everyone here is cold,

everyone understands the snare—

shame requires a witness, and we're not alone.