Taking Up Space

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

