pull the comforting blanket
of darkness over us
until we are buried within
our own secret world
together
we’ll see what’s kept for night
exploring valleys and paths
tasting of richness
never to lose our way
swept in a corner
together we’ll dwell
it’ll be better than any dream
ethereal
stepping lightly
among germinated fields
brushing fingertips
along youthful exuberance
sipping dew drenched lips
through misty afternoons
blinking back webs
to return to the moment
tripping slowly
with unreal fascination
laughing silently
in blatant abandon
trompe l-oiel
keeping the pitying smile in check
as she railed against all I was
battering me with insults
I knew exactly what she meant
even as she blamed everyone else
for her turmoil
she itemized my perfection
my ivory tower and knight
my unblemished countenance
while ignoring the blatant scars
I camouflaged tenderly
dismissing my tear tracks
blind to all I had that wasn’t real
she saw scenery
thinking it was the whole play
I think she must have nodded off
during the second act
long day
take me
your arms are strong
I’m tired
this shell is cracking
hold me
I’ve not much left
tell me
it’s almost done
losing ground
falling asleep
grasping pages
soaked
god help her she can’t stop crying
no wonder the days flew yet dragged
floating by like swollen corpses
she hasn’t been herself
since she was twelve
what a fine job they did
they didn’t quite finish her off
with their grooming, quelling
along with doses of candy-coated filth
played with mercilessly
kicked aside when bored
what could a child do
when coaxed then vomited
in the most basic of ways
shriveling not in her nature
death a near choice
somehow too inept to assert or commit
she stuck around
no wonder the spinal was a relief
sagging finally allowed like boots being dragged down by water
she took pictures of herself
to see what they saw
since mirrors lied and reversed fortune
her body soft yet damaged
bearing regally ravages of time
calling in the most basic of ways
awake and pissed off
aching chest
clutching
god help her she can’t stop crying
The Word Rummager 