I wake up cold, I who

Prospered through dreams of heat 

Wake to their residue, 

Sweat, and a clinging sheet. 



My flesh was its own shield: 

Where it was gashed, it healed.



I grew as I explored 

The body I could trust 

Even while I adored

The risk that made robust,



A world of wonders in

Each challenge to the skin.



I cannot but be sorry

The given shield was cracked,

My mind reduced to hurry, 

My flesh reduced and wrecked.



I have to change the bed, 

But catch myself instead



Stopped upright where I am 

Hugging my body to me 

As if to shield it from 

The pains that will go through me,

      

As if hands were enough 

To hold an avalanche off.