the outside world was too sharp
full of dust and dirt and sweat
of harsh sounds, hard exteriors
the abrasive surfaces of love

sleep became her shelter
a place softened by silence
the safety of solitude; a place
where nothing could touch her

the petty needs of the body
dragged her back into the world
she was forced to walk and talk
to look at herself in the mirror

she has slowly learned
to live like everyone else
- remains unconscious
but has both eyes open