The Moments Where I Am Most Sensitive
By Lauren Suval
I. When I’m in the shadows of girls who are explicitly beautiful
When I ask if you think I am just cute and hope there is more behind your lips
II. When we touch for the first time as the morning sun rises
When it becomes firmly planted in memory
When I feel my heart growing wild and my walls dismantling
When I know it is love
III. When I don’t get so drunk; when I don’t take drugs
When I like the feeling of being in control
When I like the arms of stability
When I like being rooted to the ground
IV. When I retreat
When I recharge so I have more light to give
When I want others to see that light
V. When I’m in tune to every physical sensation in my body
When I do not feel well
When I say I should rest
When I need to say no instead of yes
VI. When I react; when I hurt; when I cry
When I’m needy like a restless child
When I’m fragile like a glass vase
VII. When I know that, still,
My foundation is impenetrable
And one that will not break.