A story that is older than my memories

I wanted to know how my heart was.
But then I was told I have none.
They said it as an opinion,
but it sounded more like a fact.

I disagree.
I know my heart is somewhere inside,
caged inside the ribs, for such a wild thing it is;
placed near the lungs, so I'd be forced to breathe
to feel it inside.

I wanted to know how my heart was.
But then I was told I have none.
I almost believed them,
but then you happened.

And it's like suddenly, my heart starts
leaping out of its cage and my breath becomes ragged.
And I feel it too much that it had gotten to the point
where its desire to wrap itself around you
became like an impossible thing to do.

So it sat here inside—
caged inside the ribs, placed near the lungs—
forever thirsty for you.

(v.a.)