Caramel molds itself into the crevices of my teeth
Like the aches carving their way 
Through my calves to my thighs. 

There are days when I can’t breathe
My sister calls it a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Don’t think; she rolls her eyes at me

I tell math students the same thing:
Start over- pull the working string.
Forget what you’ve learned so you can learn it again-

I forget how Carmel clings to my molars- 
Glues my mouth shut and rocks silent shivers 
down my jaw to my shoulders.

I make myself still; soreness is a form of movement.
I cough and forget I can’t breathe; 
I will learn it again.