I dare you to
unearth that old oak box
I long ago buried
in the labrinth of my mind.
Turn it over in your calloused hands and
pry open its rusting and resisting hinges.
Plunge into my darkness,
my Pandora's box.
Crack open the lock on
my pained memories,
ancient whispered words,
long forgotten smiles.
Understand why I guard this
box with sword and shield.
Then snap it shut and padlock it
before your demons escape too.