Taxidermied

There used to be life behind my eyes

And my head was once stuffed with wonder

But I made the mistake

Of stepping out of line

Into the crosshairs of those
Who enjoy a good hunt.

And they gutted me

Heart replaced with fear
Stomach replaced with shame

And every part of myself that took years to find and finally feel comfortable

Was taken away

Like a trophy.

So now I spent my days
Mounted on a wall

Catching glimpses of the outside throught the cracks in a closed window

And the sunshine reflecting off my glossy eyes

Sometimes even tricks myself into thinking

I’m still alive