Can’t breathe in any freedom;
Breathe out only disdain.
Three layers of bubble wrap,
So I won’t even know when we hit a bump.
An ounce of Styrofoam,
Just in case I try to wiggle in my box.

Squish myself together,
Not sure what’s leg
And what’s arm.
As a thank-you
For making myself fit,
You make my box smaller;
Walls tighter,
So I just squeeze
Again.

Well,
When I arrive at destination adulthood,
Small,
Clean,
Perfectly packaged,

I’m going to run
Farther than I would if you ever let me walk.
I’m going to sing
Louder than I would if you ever let me talk.

I’m going to be bigger,
Bolder,
Badder
Than I am,
Because you made me small
In a box.