I am
Utterly
Petrified
To open the graves
Of my past hidden in
The deepest part of my being.

For I
Am
Petrified
Once they are out
I won’t be able to rebury
Them before they consume me.

I am
Utterly
Petrified
To release the words
Of which have become rusted
Barbed wire imbedded in my throat.

For I
Am
Petrified
During their release
I will find those words have
Sewn themselves into my tattered soul.


I am
Utterly
Sure
I will not survive
The verbal barbed wire
Demolishing me on its way to freedom.

-ARI