Layered Fragments, Becoming Whole

cellophane
glass noodles 
transparent to see past walls
still, require prep 
soaking time 
to soften
before 
the catalyst drops
into the steaming hot pot
for expansion
to float up

that bouncy chew is earned
given too
as a gift

I can almost touch you. 

baby,
the façade is there
reach past it 
if you can hold steady 
the wounds of the child-self
carried through decades 
twisted, knotted 
rooted in the red wrapper
haphazard, hardened veins
a meaningful life

our hands are made to rip
through plastic 
to mend

this time
I'll go first