Illinoir

docile, humble, swept under the rug,
drugged, hesitant, how have you tamed me?
running, shaking, i am not now who i thought i am.
silent, feverish, why is my jaw clenched?
present tense me is slowly dulled
shield around me
breath so hot on my upper lip, burning through
nostrils flared, my eyes keep closing,
and here, present tense me, incapable of knowing
anything in my world.