Softness of skin,

But coarse on the edges—

Frayed along the hems like torn leather

Or thin cloth

Clinging to its final moments

Before being stripped of its unity

Cross-stitching fractured

Handwoven silk

Trailing upward along the arms

Pure white dancing in the warmth

Of the sun’s dull glow.

A spiral staircase; a mossy wall

Finishing at the crown of the shoulder blade

Where the jagged nature is executed

Complementary velvet encompasses

Wrapping its way along the neckline

Struggling for breath

Hardening its tender frame

As it reaches out

Curving into the delicate muslin of the hood

The gentle roughness skimming across fingertips

Resting atop of dishevelled hair

Running across the crack of where hairline meets forehead.