C-H-A-I-N-S
I snuggle cold and cozy
Chains to keep me warm ?
But the rain gets in.
Each dizzying drop drips deep beneath
Unevenly spaced slate
Rotten wood soggy and engorged…
Shaking unwilled.
Shivering sends
Chattering teeth and
Rattling rings of iron.
Endless links wrapped round and round,
Wound around to comfort me,
And keep me content ?
Instead, I lament,
Under this garment;
Heavy laden.
I am left here alone,
All but naked
Save these lingering chains.
• Doctor Oo is not the author's real name.
