in my dreams
i break my own bones
i snap my wrists in half
so my forearm bones
protrude like
claws
i crack my ribs
loosening them
letting them slip through my skin
to form protective barbs
i do this in my dreams
while walking down the street
or in my home
when i feel threatened and must
protect myself from danger
then i awaken
happy my body is whole
but devastated by the realization
that the fear symbolized by the dream
is all too real
and that everyday i’m not running
from monsters
but men
and their violence against women
– Michelle Marie Ryder
Location: USA
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