In My Golden Cage

The doctor takes an x-ray

of a balloon,

finds bone tumors.

Illness permeates the party.

I dance in a bird cage.

The door is open,

but I can’t get out.

Depictions of parrots on the wall,

the sordid light on repeat.

Masses of bodies,

shivering to a twisted music.

I give my teeth to a nun.

Salvation waits in the curvature

of this cornerless room.

My breathing wet,

I wring out my words.

Lost,

broken,

Brave,

malfeasance,

mirror.

In my golden cage I know nothing,

dream of silver silence.