I Am... Afraid

I am afraid.

This world is not kind

With its sharp blade.

It slices open the eyes of the blind,

Making them see

What they wish could not be.

It has happened to me.

I thought I was young;

I could still be happy.

I did not have to know the pain of a tongue

And the lies that it spills

And how easily it kills.

And, Oh! The pain of death!

How savagely it bites

To hear of one’s last breath,

And how it haunts you throughout the night

As you stay awake

From nightmares and aches.

Who knew it was so cruel,

The only world I know.

It once seemed full of jewels,

But it no longer has that warming glow

That welcomed us all

When I was still small.

I have already seen

More than I wanted.

I am no longer clean

And I am left daunted and haunted.

And now I am here,

Stronger than fear.