Freight

The stairwell, too narrow and contorted
would not let through the new chest of drawers,
a keyhole to a life imagined and held in confinement

Collected and  plush, feathers for her nest
meant for wounds' cover, improbable burden carried for years
in all, downy dreams that turned nightmares

Chest on chest, she felt his slight ribs
and shallow breath beneath- wondered if it would be another
box car to add to the long line

Missed the passenger train and rode
the freight cars, a vagabond journey
needing not a destination