12: 11 Am Poem by Rick Elpers

I looked out the window
In the driveway was a box
I wondered where it came from

Sealed with something
I couldn't identify
It held firmly

So I picked it up
Names familiar, forgotten
Written so many ways

As to blot out themselves
Unreadable yet strangely
Known as fleeting memory

I put my ear up to it
Not a sound as I've heard
Murmuring crying laughing

Astonished I shook it violently
My chest began to ache
The pain unbearable

I dropped the box
Sudden quiet took hold
Calm peaceful calm

Closing my eyes
Stretched out arms
I touched cardboard

Panicked I look to see
That box had engulfed me
Darkness prevailed

I recognized the inner walls
As my own heart
Deep within its fullness

Holding and being held
A source of comfort
And fearful thoughts

My heart has turned
Into cardboard
No longer capable

Of holding love or any
Human emotion
Just existing shadow solid

Just as sadness joyfully
Embraced me
I awoke.