Solitary Name

I haven’t taken care of myself in months
my hair has turned to brambles
my lips are chapped
the surfaces of a frozen pond
I have left the dirt on my skin
to form a new entity
that has taught itself to smile
I have allowed depression into my forest
my hidden mind space
for it to lurk in the shadows
I have given it a home and shelter
I have given it its own identity
and, oh, it has learned how to breathe.