Icarus

“Be wary of the sun, for it will melt your wings”

At least, that was what they said to me.

But, no one warned me of the perils ahead.

They promised a breeze and warmth on my cheek,

They promised freedom and big beautiful wings.

They said if I just did one thing, I would have everything I’d ever need.

Yet, their words were wind—here then gone again.

I placed them all above me,

              “Avoid the sun” was all they ever told me.

And so, the sun did touch me, but the cold was what embraced me.

It crept over me like a fog, hiding all that lay before me.

I lay here quiet in my bed,

Listening to the rain scream at my window,

And all it does is make me want to stay—

Here. In my bed. The bubble of quiet.

I glance at my phone—

A bad habit, I know.

Why can’t you just answer me?

Can't you tell I lay here all alone

With the darkness sloshing against my bed

Like the ocean to a ship lost at sea.

It threatens to take me overboard.

You said you'd be my compass,

I hope your compass points to me.

The darkness feels like it's crushing in on me.

“Avoid the sun” was all they ever told me,

And soon the darkness crept around me.

I placed them all above me to avoid the light that hit me,

How I wish someone had warned me:

              Climb up high toward the sky where no one is above you.