Walls

The fear springs up
in a silent flash
even before I realize
I am enclosed
safe but
untouchable.

Sticky

Funny the stuff that
STICKS
camouflagued to blend into the fabric
is that the day to day
until a sudden glint of light reflects
what I had managed to forget. . .
my failed attempts to remove
the offending reminder are
revived and I try a new, better cleanser
that only mars the background and leaves
the stain vividly bright and raw once more. . .

Mirror

The Who I am
stands in stark contrast to who I see
looking into my eyes
from under roots of silver and lines
traced by years I let slip through my fingers
like so much sand at the beach

Mother Bear

You chose ME
because you knew
I would
protect HER. . .
you saw my role model
the Mother Bear
who put her cubs before
EVERYTHING and EVERYONE
and you knew
you wouldn't be around
to keep her safe
so
you chose me and now
I am
the Mother Bear. . .

No longer do I ask
'why did you leave?'

I see where you have gone
back to the safey of a childhood
'normal'
filled with conflict and drama and pain
just like Home.

Now I only can ask
'why did you stay so long?'

Cold

Yesterday
I woke up cold
blankets on the floor
wondering when they had fallen
off

Then I
noticed that I
could move again and
breathe in freely once again

I am free.

Last Aid

Those first lessons
the ones that
burn deep in the skin and soul and heart
the lessons of leaving
of betrayal
the wound the oozes raw beneath the shield
agony ignored and assauged with a panacea
of quick fixes and momentary thrills
I watch you run
trying to escape
your truth is
tattooed on your Soul
and it keeps pace at your side.

When you can no longer bear the
weight of the pain
I will be waiting
with the balm
that will heal all.