If only I lost my arms
the ape-like pendulums
I'd hold my head high
look him square in the eye
not hold out my hand
and beg for more
of the same thing

If only I lost my legs
two sticks with spider veins
I'd see things in a new way
not run back to him
over and again

But I lost my face
and without a modicum of dignity
I lost everything
I lost me