By Lamplight

before they vanish deep within

Photo by Andrea Riezzo on Unsplash

BY LAMPLIGHT


This heart can only hurt so much
Before tears wash away the pain
Raw, I bury my head in the pillow
Holding myself like a broken doll.

Your remarks are sharp, your tone uncaring
Like barb wire you rip my soul
Wounded by flying arrows
My dreams are tattered, ragged and torn.

Your anger, icy, freezes my veins
With methods practiced since you were a child
Rejected and scared you turned the tables
Projecting the damage on the closest one.

I hide my face and block my ears
Finding the strength to persevere
Over 30 years of trust and devotion
Keep me connected when I want to run.

I console myself with pen and paper
By lamplight glowing late at night
I write the lines, express the feelings
That would otherwise vanish deep within.
©2026 Stephanie M. Vargo