while pulling myself up
i feel unnatural
forcing my spine straight
and relaxing my shoulders
i gain an inch or two
of height
if only so that I may
look into your eyes
straight on
my natural state
curled and slumped forward
is alien to you
you who a hundred years ago
would be bend and twisted
a gnarled tree
favored by children to climb
and lovers to carve hearts
into your flesh
science has given you no options
gentle curves nor arches
straightened into a blade
a doctor hammered and forged you
a keystone held in place
I know this is the best way
relaxed and upright
puffed out and prideful
it is not exactly who I am
it feels right, however
to be so for you