get off my chest

it doesn't go away

this weight

perpetual and pounding

like a headache beneath my breast

my gut is stone my head heavy

I am a bag of cement

slung over the shoulder

of a man too tired from carrying me to be gentle anymore

and I wish I could simply

release

if only to unburden him

if only to stop hurting him

if only to be held gently

if only to be his