Bifurcated

When I was born, a hole in my back

exposed my spinal cord.

The delicate strands open to the outside world, synapses sending messages to other parts of me

never to be received.

Shortly after the hole was closed,

my mouth opened in a wail that became a cry, became a yell, became a demand.

See me! Hear me! Include me!

Some people have said I’m too loud,

too much, too “other”.

But that’s ok. Just means I hit a nerve.