From the Poetry book: Hot Headed Snakes
“Never be apart.”
But who’s the conqueror today?
Trapped in a shallow pool of dismay;
Beside me you want to stand,
But you can never hold my hand.
Need a beast to hide behind,
As it eases up my mind;
I see you in a flustered rush;
Greet you in my deepest blush.
Am I afraid of my own shadow?
Round and round we go;
I once looked upon you;
Too confusing to behold.
Are you my fears?
Metaphors of my anger?
Am I capable of what you conspire?
Are you wrong?
In how many ways?
Am I a good person,
If I submit myself to shame?
The trick is to embrace you;
Give in to your persuasion;
To ignore you only strengthens,
What I spend my time escaping.
We are meant to be;
Together we make balance;
It shouldn’t be taboo;
Only voicing yourself in silence.
You were exiled from my Kingdom,
When you offended all the guests;
The Queen admired your candour,
But the King found you a pest.
So I gave you less attention,
And soon you went away;
Still you show up unexpectedly,
And I cower much the same.
I look for you in suitors;
In confident female voices;
I see you in hurt children;
I’m not fooled by all pretences.
Always stay together;
Why should it be a secret?
I know I shouldn’t fear you,
For I am your heart’s true keeper.
That mean old shadow;
Just a scared child.
Maybe if I take you by the hand,
It’ll all become worthwhile.
Grace King 