At The Edge Poem by Ashfa Nilabdeen

I try to speak, words flow like silk at my lips
But with that the mist rises, the words- they split
You see in my eyes, keep looking, I'm still here
Oh patient one! I'm not absent, its all- my fear

Do you worry my silence, a form of deceit?
Do you feel I'm careless- may fall at my feet?
Do you want to hear what I want to say?
Come closer, perhaps my words would stay

When I wander in the safety of my mind, I go back to sleep
That is when the curtains open, words now awake to speak
I try to tell you, I see the light, I see what I want to stay
Oh patient one! Please understand, I call you near me- to lay

I know you are just a traveller, like me, you cannot- be
Perhaps you know what its like when words fumble- a distant plea
My silence, not shadows of indifference- often safest, at my own
But now my words beg to be released-at your altar- have you come alone?

I want to unveil the drapes around me, and feel the air around
I want to open all the windows, fly to a place I wont be found
I may then not think what I say, but I know you will not mind
I may even sing with joy, no longer in comfort- confined

I know you desire to hear words, I know you cannot sit long
I do not know you, will I ever will? But this, I am not wrong
I'll be hiding behind myself, please try to stay, if you could
Let me bring my words again and have it in front of you-stood

I do not lack clarity, though I speak in rhymes
You may think, does the girl hide a crime?
I sleep at the edge of all my words
Oh patient one, this is me- Jailbird!