Outlet Poem by Ridah Ellahi

The smoke needs to be let out,
Or else it will burst.
Same is the case with my poetry.
An outlet is all.
Stops me from going bad to worst.
In times of crisis or joy,
I turn to my faithful friend.
On a blank paper,
I sketch my worries with a pen.
Though it is a one-sided conversation,
Where I do not get an answer,
To the questions that I ask.
But somehow, when I let it all out,
Breathing normally is not an impossible task.
There are times that I wonder,
What would I do without my pen?
There are times when I ponder,
What if my talent meets its’ end?
But I can not face it,
So, I block it all out.
I know I’ll be deprived…empty,
Beyond the trace of a doubt.
But till that unthinkable moment comes,
I have to pour out all my thought.
Have to break the traps and set them free.
Have to open all the locks.