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.