Poetry Afraid

When we were young
We wanted to be vets
Astronauts, scientists,
Or our favorite pets

Dreams are only dreams, though
Shredded in the gale of time
Now all I want is to be truthful
When I say I’m fine.

I want to be successful
Brave
Certain
Sure
Unfaltering
Unaltered
The strongest metal
The hardest rock
Maybe happy, can I be happy?
Can I be honest, maybe honest?
Because I am afraid, so afraid, deeply afraid

Afraid to fall, lose it all, let you down, watch you go down, see you frown, see you hunger, eyes linger, lips quiver, skin shiver

Like, in another life, another fold,
I’m crushed and you were left alone
Because I was too afraid to trust a man
Who didn’t understand no
But I am only one and
What happens to you when I’m gone?

Who feeds you and kisses you and washes your sheets
Tickles your feet, sings you Taylor Swift, sets your heart adrift
With stories of dragons and gnomes and fairies
Who whispers into your ear, “you are me and so much more”
Who loves you enough to pour
Every drop of herself into an ocean if it means
You can dance and laugh and smile and know
You are truly loved?

Who will do that for you when I’m gone?
So I’m afraid.

 

[Rich.]

This is wonderful, and that fear hits hard. Beautiful words!

 

[mickleinapickle]

Yes. Fantastic poetry.

 

[Michael C]

Stunning.