When I’m Breathing Fire by Abigail McGovern

When I’m Breathing Fire

by Abigail McGovern

Half my life I’ve spent with ashes coating my tongue, the result of a fire fizzled out, a life on the run. Their bitter taste has muffled the words I meant to say and I’ve been choking them down, spitting them away. But they’re still there, burning in my chest, fighting your rules with every single scorching breath.

So I’m striking a match against my ribcage now, Counting 1, 2, 3 The sparks are building in my throat, Evidence of the better, braver parts of me.

Sometimes I fear I’m still coughing up dusty remains, checking all your boxes and biting back pain. But when I look over my shoulder, I see footprints in the ash, proof that I’m pushing forward, making a path. I understand the poisonous urge to bury what frightens you in the debris, But at some point we both must face the lightning-struck destruction you’ve wrought inside of me.

So I’m striking a match against my ribcage now, Counting 1, 2, 3 The sparks are building in my throat, Evidence of the better, braver parts of me.

So when I’m breathing fire, babe will you look the other way? Or will you finally have the courage to face what I finally have the courage to say?

Blue 180 Degrees by Shaylise Jones