It took me seven years
to realise
the words in my mind
were too deep for
my mouth to dig up
I thought it was easier
to open my skin
and let the truth
pour down my arms

It took me seven years
to realise
nobody should be allowed
to touch parts
of your home
or hold pieces  
of your heart
that you don't yet understand

It took me seven years
to realise
I will wear these scars
forever
I'll carry them
through every smile
every kiss
every concerned gaze
I'll carry them
to my grave

It took me seven years
to realise
the pain carved
into the walls
of my castle
etchings of
attempting to disappear
are not a story of weakness
but a tale of
how I survived

we are all born
with dreams that have a
expiration date
but some expire
before others

Esther Krenzin

Losing my hair
Losing my mind
Losing all sight
Of what I want
down the line
Sanity, I fear
Is not something
I'm ever meant to find

for men
my page
for the stage
my rhyme
for a dime
my muse
for *****
my respect
for affect

Some will  say it didn't go
anywhere

and I'll say they're
right

two electric trains
one going east
and another going west

which way you ask
will the smoke go

it won't go anywhere
I say
but up your nose

just like it always has

Whit Howland © 2020

One word
It scares most
I've always been welcome to it
They just are doing a job
That has to be done
I'm sorry I know it hurts
But all things come to an end

Today I tried to run away
I did not have success,
The road was long,
The day too hot,
I fear I look a mess.
My long hair quite in disarray
My clothing, loose and free
People cry and point and try
to run away from me.