I have lived for 17 years within the cage of my own body.

They've told me that the 2-by-2 square foot of space

that I have been given to roam and exist was more than enough

for a girl of my intelligence and means. 

But every year since I could recognize

shapes and colors and words for what they are, 

my space has shrunk, so slowly as if to escape my notice. 

 

As a woman, I am told by the media to love this cage, 

this restrictive, steel-barred cage,

even as outside forces have warped and hammered 

the metal of my own body. 

 

With the heat of the media, the farenheight strong enough

to melt even gold

(my steel never had a chance)

my cage has been withdrawn every year.

I no longer have any space to move.

 

I am in a mold, not a cage anymore 

There is no room to roam

no room to breathe

no room to be

anything but what the heat wants of me.