Obedience To Fear Poem by Shelly Price

All the years of life fastened
neatly under belted loops
wisdom knocking on hollow
doors signs flash no vacancy

childish fear comes from
everywhere with blank stare...
eye to eye
open toy boxes pop in her face
frightening the timid child
held captive by it's strength
leaving her paralyzed

age old weakness gives fresh breath
of life to the obedience of fear
shrouded behind the physical body
of her adult
hungry for the peripheral glance
of terror as it glazes over her eyes

bound to her - her to it
a lifetime of adult child barriers
blocking wisdom from it's flow

grotesque the decision to endure
for the lifetime still before her
or cut the limbs baring shackles
hard steel binding them together

render her a cripple...
crippled she is either way
her fear laughs in celebration
victorious over another day taken
her life consumed
pride and honor beaten from her
stripped to cowards flesh
left naked in the darkness

huddled within herself she rocks
wrapping her arms tightly around
the child inside...

and together they weep