I have a notion of
a splintered wooden box
growing in my head,
dilating in my eyes.
The corners are creeping
through my scalp
my hair long and dark
cloaks the sharp points.

The therapist uses her calculated
crowbar to pry off the top
edge forced through metal lips
bolt cutters open wide
a mouth with no teeth-
a razor blade through taffy-

She’s not getting in there-
I hold the key between my teeth.