I Steal People’s Corsets

with a          writhing tightness of breath
neither mine to hold

            nor release.

A moral anarchy to be molten into
                    the shape of
            my lungs,
an oath I swear to soon behead.

The first dance around the waist, scent of grieving sweat
    I weave,       lace,       tighten
            (with)out respite,
my chest an orchestra of still persuasions.

A thief lusting after heavy shoulders:
A freight of wear and tear,
I kneel,        digress,        confess,
                    “I hear you through me,”

(With)out fault, I steal people’s corsets.
Breath into

        breath,
with wisdom I cannot warrant
to have ever been mine.

Cassey Abella is a Filipino writer and creative based in Graz, Austria. Her works are often inspired by her observations of the world around her, as well as her experiences with human connections and migration. She is currently a BA English and American Studies student at the University of Graz and has previously read her works at events hosted by the likes of LYSL Kollektiv and Tint Journal.