labels

it grows down to my knees
sticks to the bottom of feet
he nor she knew the implication
of their words

selfishness hides like a crab
in a shell - I hide like a
crab in a shell, clawing
to reach a steady surface

it sinks into me and
this kitchen sink
can't be washed and scrubbed;
filth sticks to me

like labels do; the stigma
of sensitivity as abusers
deny their behaviour:
I deny myself release

as I'm trapped in
intricate spiderwebs
trying to not let it sink in;
trying to float despite it all

carefully placed preservers
as I persevere through storms
that grow down to my knees
I'm still growing