My Body Is The House I Grew Up In

My body is the house I grew up in
It was there
As I squeezed myself into the world
Through my mother’s unsure legs
It was there
When I spoke my first words
Took my first steps

My body is the house I grew up in
It was there
When the car tried to rip me in two, my femur an open wound
Death teasing like a hurricane’s howl, but the house would not be moved

My body is the house I grew up in
It was there
When my breasts bloomed like the spring tulips
And the red between my legs beat down the door that led to womanhood

My body is the house I grew up in
The vessel that steered me
Through the raging waters of my teens
Threw out a life raft when I couldn’t sleep
For fear of never being good enough

My body is the house I grew up in
Through her windows, I get to see
Through her chimney, I get to breathe
Her foundation always supporting me

My body is the house I grew up in
How dare I try to burn her down