Skip to main content

Prompt: The Monster Behind the Mask

 For 12 months we tried to fight the cloth tied over our face
Begging to be free, pleading for control back of our spaces
When the days brought flowers again, the hope rose
The belief was that normalcy would return
We untied, dismantled, and tore off our masks 
Jubilated to feel free of this grasp
Instead, what was found was both desolate and perplexing
Normal had nowhere to go
Except back into our purposeless pit 
The place that held who we believed we were and wanted to be
Normal began to feel more like a fraud than a foundation
Yes, our breathe could flow in and out of our inlet
But still felt imprisoned in our cavity, so tight
Relationship was rigid and stiff
Both with ourselves and fellow peers
Our feelings and tempers rioting inside
Blurting out our inadequacies far and wide
After 2 short moons 
It was recommended to tie that cloth back to our faces
Which we did in most places
A feeling of ease at this cumbersome task 

To keep the monster behind our mask


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

The Orange Reminder

12/25/09 The orange ring lays against fragile skin. A constant reminder of the pain and sorrow...also a memory of endurance and gain. 30 beads each with different meaning..circles the wrist while never ending. The hurt and denial expressed with each glance, anxiety and guilt overwhelm when its gone. without those orange beads meaning is lost, and emptiness fills.

Prompt: The Ghost of You

I see in you the pain she holds. The unbearable thought of not being what we need. Could I even recognize you. If you appeared as an outline of us. As a ghost in my dreams. Who you used to be, traces the outlines of your eyes. Fades into therapy sessions on the past. The ghost of you when you're stressed and overwhelmed. Your emotions taking hold. Ghost of you shoved deep. Until your stomach aches and your head pounds. The ghost of you hides in books and sleep. I feel like I carry the wounds of her with me but am not sure how to heal. I can feel her shadow when you hug me, an apology lingering on the too long of squeeze. Why can’t I seem to let go, of the ghost of you.

Lilac Sidewalk

  Same Sidewalk.  As Yesterday.  It catches you by surprise.   But today. They are here. Either smell or sight and you are called out. Silky petals. Our female elders peeking out with their violet irises The smell, oh the smell.  It swirls in your chest trying to coat your lungs, for just a little bit longer. Same Sidewalk. As Yesterday. You see the crispy. The sun held them just a little bit too long. Close enough, the smell sits still.  But the drops have drifted. Toasted and broiled. It’s gone so fast. Sad and True. I mourn for those that missed it. For those that will forget.  Same Sidewalk.  As Yesterday. Their abode remains season to season. Empty and forgotten Their graceful presence is now a brief memory. Every now and again, I remember what was once. And what will be again.