Guilt Poem by Megan Neal

Screaming with objection! Standing still will not change who
I thought I could be. A woman curling into me. This was a chance
To hear myself, finally. She confided she was the one to beat.

Twisting into an unknown shape, sharp and curious. A cactus
Would have no shame. A woman would keep secrets, to be free
Of the guilt. The fool could have killed herself, guilt smothered,
Her own self to blame.

I could not ask for more. This was the only way out of this house,
The doors and windows were all shut and even the strawberries
Need sunlight. Guilt does nothing but trap you.