Afraid Of The Light Poem by Robin Bennett

I'm afraid of the light-
exhausted from painting on
happiness where
only heartbreak lives

I need to hibernate just
until autumn. The
air, crisp as celery
will wake me with a slap.

This damn Indian summer
will be the death of
me. A giant geranium sun
perched so close burns
holes into my depressed
eyes. Even when I pretend
to play dead each morning.

I see only dismal black
through these powder blue eyes.
I tend to keep company with
my words. They never judge.
Yet, I can be so harsh with them.
In a way they are like me. Easily
ignored and always replaceable.