a ptsd poem
by Diamond Manning 

you say i am not broken.
but tell me, Darling, another explanation
for the way i crumble with the lightest of touches
for the way i crack under the phantom of an impact
for my inability to be both here and whole.
you say i am not broken.
but tell me, Darling, another reason
for my shying away for fear of a blow
for my reluctance, my potential to fall to bits
for my arms wrapped tightly, shielding my fragile soul.
you say i am not broken.
but tell me, Darling, another way
to justify my shaking hands
the syncopated ticking of my hummingbird heart
the wall i’ve so artfully built around the deepest parts of myself.
you say i am not broken.
but tell me, Darling, how you can be so sure.