Mocking Shadow

Knees are bruised, steps are slow

Why can’t you keep your feet?

I can’t help but laugh, watching from below

Your fumbling and falling hardly seems brave

            Why do you think you are special?

You act as a martyr, nursing wounds in silence

Living as if each breath is a sacrifice

            Why is your heart so tired?

Suitcase thrumming down the sidewalk

The music of a dying childhood

Why did you leave?

Ink-stained fingers and

Eyes missing the night

Where are you going?

A noisy classroom, no empty chairs

Somehow still alone, still full of cares

What are you chasing?

Fluttering words with a bite

Slip through lips, out of sight

How should you live your life?

Poisonous thoughts of the mind

Reveal the truth in kind

Who do you want to be?

Pride like a coat of arms, a battle banner

Protects your wandering soul from harm

Who are you?

Changing a heart is not easy

 But necessary

Rewriting the self is a daunting task

With pen in hand, you begin

Stand, speak, listen, love…

Give of a heart you have so long protected

Reaching past the silence

The abyss ever-widening

“Hello…”

Throwing down your shield, baring your soul

Will they love you? Does that matter?