Turning the lights on
was as easy
as flicking a switch.
Now that I can see,
I know what I’ve been missing.
The dark is a terrifying void,
but you know who you are
when the madness comes and goes.
now that I can see,
I’ve never been more confused.
The words on the page
don’t match the ones I hear.
The pictures on the wall
don’t show
what they say they do;
the lie
juxtaposed
to the avatar for truth.
I thought there was
insanity
in the darkness
and I soaked it in.
It became my skin,
my bones,
my very blood.
I wish I could have been
prepared
for this psychosis of colors.
Images on the screen
moving too fast to understand.
The wide open sky,
tall buildings,
lights and sounds,
all seem to be sent
to inflame
and negate
the senses.
One after another,
the faces come on the screen,
telling you
who to love,
how to live,
what to eat,
what to believe.
The darkness is cold,
but it’s true,
and every word a whisper.
Every touch,
tentative,
lest there be claws,
or teeth to come.
The unknown
makes us careful
of who we trust.
Here in the light,
everyone hides their claws
and shows their teeth,
until it’s too late.
Here I am,
gone from one mad dream
to another.
Not seeking darkness,
I know I’ll return to that,
but here,
my days will be spent
in the sunshine,
trying to keep my soul intact.
HG – 2020
