I remember the first time
My demon came knocking.
My brick house turned to straw
In front of his never-ending gaze
And I screamed
Because I couldn’t recognize the one place I called home.
I didn’t know what to do
I couldn’t breathe in the dark
I could see mile-deep cracks echo through my heart
As I tried to patch it up with tape.
I could see the dark swallow me whole
Without anyone to save me
And I could see...
Then it’d fade.
I’d be able to see through
The demon's eyes.
And I’d be able to see it’s curious gaze was not one
That wanted to leave me dead.
I’d be sad,
Knowing its secret truth,
But I knew that I could breathe.
And then I’d sing so some flowers would grow
And heal my heart’s small dent.
I’d look around
And I’d be fine.
I would face the dark and apologize
For mistaking it for a beast,
Then I’d snuggle up in my blankets
And fall to sleep.
I know I’ll wake up
When it’s time for me to leave.
But until then,
I’ll be here to say that our demons aren’t our ends.
I’ll be here.
1/5/2019
A poem about facing inner demons.
