All Those

All those who bound heavy stones on the brow of this child

Who turned the welcoming meadow

Into flaying blades

That strip and gash the flesh

Of all who stray from the narrow path.

All those who laced the corset tight

About and about this unformed child-body

Stopping breath in rib and belly and liver

Shaming the magical child into hide-bound mediocrity

In a cage of rules and don’ts 

All those who are disturbed, offended

By a spirit burning bright

Lest it ignite hidden lights

In their nearby breast

And unbidden tears well up in dust-bound hearts

I name you

I name you

For what you are

You do not need my curse

I merely shuck off yours

Leaving it, a discarded cloak

Ripped to shreds and worn bare.

I grow out from it.

My new skin is bright, uncut.

Immortal, I re-inhabit Eden.