Ehlers Danlos Poem by Melissa Robinson

Even if I'm 'happy, ' you're shadow always follows me. I can feel your weight on my shoulders and a huge sense of apathy. Even when I'm smiling I feel you deep in my chest. You drain all my energy yet I'm unable to rest. I can feel you inside my arms and you start to become heavy, and when I feel you in my heart I wonder if you are deadly. I sense you barred deep in my mind, grasping control of my thoughts. You alter me more with time, together, we've been through a lot. I feel you inside the air that I breathe, I feel you inside my lungs. I feel you travel inside my veins and throughout my blood. I can feel your hands upon me even when I'm alone- and ever since I can remember, I've let myself be your home.