The question is how to begin
To turn to the universe with
Your smallness, the brittle skin

Of your hands: stretch your fin-
gers, learn to breathe.
The question is how to begin

To emulate speech, to fall in
line, shine, flash your teeth;
For your smallness, the brittle skin

Conceal veins — hard, green —
Simmering venom beneath.
The question is how to begin

To un-begin, unravel, clean
Yourself off blank, along with
Your smallness, your brittle skin.

Dreams will wear you thin,
Beliefs collapse to myth.
The question is how to begin
From your smallness, your brittle skin.