The Found Prince

I remember small rooms and closed doors

being alone “for a little while”

singing to myself for peace

to shut up the voices

- the one in my head

- the other one

- the ones on the other side of the door

Hushed and obstinate

Eavesdropping

until my feelings were too big for me

And I left

in a novel

or a daydream

only to return when they did

Holding onto the ground- fists full of grass

awak[/r]e

in the home(s)

cruiser

courtroom

Clad in paper armor, 

desperately taped

surprisingly durable;

and worn always

Years later, I’m here

sitting on a box

comprehending

I’m the dragon, the damsel

I save myself

always have

in all the dark towers

and cage rooms

I alone unlocked the door

lept from improbable heights

braved treacherous dungeons

in pursuit of a freedom, unfamiliar

Just now, remembering

all the near misses

where I pulled myself from the rubble

coughing on lies force-fed to me

Looking at them now,

I see only bugs-

dead and forgotten

trophies I’ll keep

to celebrate my coronation