31 Reflections on Voice

Antagonists of mind come tumbling one on top of the other

Sometimes

long extensions of themselves in worsening degree and

sometimes contradictory and accusatory How Dare You! The tide cascades in various

shades of cruelty-shame, regret

Confusion  you can’t, you Must, No Way, and

Who do you think You are?

come chasing me

like dreams. Put your hands up.

I will be drab.

I will write volumes and be consumed in myself.

I couldn’t run away now if I tried.

Pinch the voice

between your fingers

hold it up to the

light

Examine it

Tiny?

Offend not

I clamped down

until my jaw wired shut

How can

the big ideas

find space

in this closet

to

Grow

If I don’t speak soon, they will have their way with me,

and I will die.