Shroud

The shroud I wrap myself in

it used to keep me warm

but these days feel different.

It seems to make it harder to breathe-

to be.

The shroud I wrap myself in

it used to keep out the wind

that threatened to knock me down.

Now it seems to weigh me down-

to bring me down.

The shroud I am wrapped in

now shields my body from the dirt

that fights to claim my corpse.

To break down my body like it did my mind-

and my soul.

January 2023