The Shades I Wear Poem by Janet Willemien Mulligan

My shield has worn down;
I can feel the shadows all around.
How did I not sense this before?
These stabbing knives
Thrown by darkened eyes.
Never before could I hear your cries.
When you kept it hidden somewhere,
When the depths of your soul quaked with fear.
And abused your emotions,
Like that you did mine.
And though I got along fine,
I am not nearly as kind.
Tainted, I am now living.
Everyday I can see you are green
With envious thoughts;
Play the world like you are connecting the dots.
The more I am worn down with this race,
The less I care for this place.
I would rather be living without your waste,
Since the only gift you have given me
Is a lens to see.
Through the illusions you pitted toward yourself
And beauty you shadowed
Behind the mask you wear,
And call it stealth.