i was once mistaken–
i was once mistaken
about the simplicity
of our flesh and bones
as if we are
a two hundred and six piece puzzle
deficient in grandiosity
as if we are not tightly wound
with nervous systems
transmitting neurons
we assemble blood cells
in bone marrow
but my framework
lacks dexterity
so i pave my veins
with concrete
and weave lace
between my teeth
to catch my words
before i speak
i do not want
to mistake you
for a vacant skeleton
i once collided with
alicia napierkowski is a writer and poet, whose work ranges in topics from women’s health, film and media, to the human experience, including love, grief, and loss. her work appears in Hello Flo, Shape, HelloGiggles, SheKnows, and The Huffington Post.