I keep you locked inside me,
folded small, held tight.

Some nights you stir,
press against the ribs I built for you,
test every quiet hinge.

I lie very still
and listen to you breathing
in the dark behind my heart.

You could open me so easily
if I ever let the latch slip.

So I keep the key
on a thin chain at my throat,
cold against the skin
that still remembers
how warm you are
when I let you out
in dreams.