Vulnerable Places Poem by RoseAnn V. Shawiak

Awkwardly rephrasing the melody of life, grasping fragmented
tunes, trying to make music once again.

Tattling memories being seen and placed in jars upon a closet
shelf, afraid of what they may contain.

Dotted lines surrounding vulnerable places, being torn open
in certain spaces.

Reaching for the unforgotten memories hiding now in corners,
listless, timid, afraid of who I am.

Surrescent statements falling out of reach, lying just beyond
my mind.

Imagination cannot bring them into focus nor can it expand
or explore within them.

Arms folded, standing rigidly behind the front of universal
sorrow with incriminating blame flying on the flag of abuse.

Solidly betraying innermost thoughts, my mind strays far, far
away, not caring to look any deeper within.

Stepping fragily on toes of lace, escaping through a back
door of my mind and flying freely into space.

No longer held by the boundaries and rules of earthly duty,
contented now with emptiness in a sorrowful place in time.