for two years now, i have had a hollow that gaps within the centre

for two years now, i have had a hollow that gaps within the centre of my chest, and winks with each of my breaths. at first, i found this hollow to be quite painful. i would hardly move all day, and when i did, the pain was enough to make me cry, like a small child or a baby taking its first breath.

but with time, i have hardened, and this hollow - deep enough for you to see the expanse of my lungs - has dulled to a small throb. i endure my days with no pain, although i will feel slight discomfort. by midnight, when i am alone with my thoughts and my breaths, i'll think of the pain i used to feel when this hollow first appeared. and then, without concious thought, i'll find myself jamming my fingers into that hollow, twisting desperately to find that pain. after all, it is better to feel pain than nothing at all.