Words crawl into my ears and they
Settle down there.
Occasionally stirring,
Reminding me
Of things people spoke to me
And my ears ache just like the first time.
Funny,
They only stir when I'm trying to sleep.

Sometimes the words remind me that
Maybe I'm not meant to be a memory
All I've been is no more than a worry,
Spreading guilt on the guiltless.
Pleading for pity.

As if closing my eyes
Would make the taunts go
Away
Maybe the kid with tears in his eyes
Is all I'm supposed to be.

But what if I don't want to feel this way?