my fingertips thaw out
painfully numb

jewels lit up
dimly
by the light of
my candle

i scratch at my skin
i tug at my sweater

im an image of who you want me to be.

no one ever let me screw up.

i'll keep my mouth shut
when you leave the door open
and welcome
the frigid draft
that reminds me

i am no where close
to freedom.