Melting into grey, turned awkwardly to the side, she is stuck in place. Everything feels harsh, though she looks smooth and serene. There is no tension in her shoulder; there are no pins and needles in the arm above her head. She is exposed and trapped in the uncertainty of only ever seeing the shadow cast by her cheek and jaw on her bed of stone.
Maya thinks she’s finally gotten the feeling right, and this is satisfying, but she is also realising that because it’s right she might be showing a little too much. Matt is going to look at her like he doesn’t know her (maybe he doesn’t). Tia will hug her. Her mother will be afraid for her. Honey, I didn’t know you still felt that way.
The piece is meant to be weathered and seen, but Maya wants to be safe. She wishes she could hide in that grey stone mind, in the dark. Seeing has made her be seen.
©2010. Published with permission. Reproduction without permission is prohibited by international law.