Taking Up Space

Juliet Altmann
Sep 4, 2018 · 2 min read
Photograph by Juliet Altmann

Taking up space

I see people do it every day

I watch in awe as they pass me, carrying on their way

Seemingly not phased by this phenomenon that grips me

Taking up space

I do it every day

Sometimes I try to take up less

Usually when I’m not feeling my best

Some days I just feel safer that way

In that there is no shame

And even in self-made, vacuum-packed smallness

I do indeed, dare, to take up some space

Do you worry about taking up space?

I’ve had days where I could barely move within my own designated space

Wanted to unravel my being but no room felt safe

Motivated by true fear, silly as it seems

I would choose the room with the least windows and bundle up to the max

Until I felt invisible, then I could relax

Taking up space

Is something I am learning to do

With my body, with my voice, with my mind

Sometimes it’s easier when I’m with others

Sometimes when I’m alone

I remember that first inclination to shrink

An adolescent walking down a crowded midtown street

So many people, variables and such

Pulled up my hoodie, thinking — This is too much

But if I can hide under this cloak

I can keep walking and no one will know

It was an act of defiance, to render myself unseen

Today it is revolution, to dare to dream of a place

Where we can all freely take up space

But that dream teaches us to weave the reality

Where those who dare to be seen are safe in their individuality

Taking up space

Is not easy

If you’ve been programmed to see it as dangerous in many capacities

Taking up space

Though it seems like a risk

Is the bravest way to exist in this great abyss

Plan-B Vibe

When Plan A is letting you down - A home for all passionate, exciting and well-written tales.

Juliet Altmann

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Plan-B Vibe

When Plan A is letting you down - A home for all passionate, exciting and well-written tales.

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