Corset

We were kept rigid

inside whale bones

moulding our shape -

a pleasing hourglass.

We were confined

steel lace and no space

to breathe our secrets

held tightly underneath.

Cinching at waists

pulling the strings

tighter until ropes

encased soft skin.

Today we broke our ribs 

moving through this world, 

freedom holds creases 

and lungs unbound.