Spiral by Claire Gallagher (OCT. POM Winner)

He is curled on the couch 

like a pangolin— 

like a fossil

there is something ancient

in his 

shape.

The spiral inward

drawn by a lump in his mother’s breast— 

he curls 

like a talon 

around the stab of shock

calcifying 

In his 

own.

Unconsciously

he deploys his armored scales

against more blows—

it only took

one.

He is curled 

on the couch like

a brand new baby mouse—

gasping for air 

on his

own.