Learning to Breathe

Learning to breathe
unnecessary
it's
unconsidered, unstudied
Yet, precisely measured
its rise
and fall
a predetermined sentence.
A blue insolence
puffs a cheek
shakes a head
to refuse
But a mocking gasp
cries out the deceit of will
Calls me a liar


Objections not withstanding
unheeded
this
unsecured, unruly
Life, insists on its course
to rise
and fall
and though I deny it
The strong percussion
twixt collar and breastbone
resonates within
A taut skin
played with skillful finger.
Sings like the confession
of one accused.