448 Poem by RIC BASTASA

Walls
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I know your name from what they are
Telling me.
They say that cruelty is born. That cruelty
Has a tendency to stay.
It is you. They mention the name of your
Husband. He died with a forlorn heart.
It is you. They say you never mentioned
His name. Not even once. You are cruel.

We meet today in this room. I am not afraid.
I am prepared. I will not be fooled
When you call me. You mention my name.
You appear sweet. Like some candy bar.
I cannot be fooled.
I tell myself. I am a wall. I am inside a very
Thick wall. I cannot hear you.
I do not wish
To be a part of you. No matter how sweet
You call my name.

They say that cruelty repeats itself.
And that I can be a fool sometimes.
I am a wall. I do not believe
This to happen to myself too.

You look at me. I leave.

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