Background Poem by Laura Russell

I will not be cruel
unless you refuse to stay.

Like the senses of a serpent
I blend into your background
Mixing in with other shades of
peach skin and brown hair.
I am a fleck on the canvas you hold behind you
Splashed without care,
A stain upon your walls
A smudge on the mirror.

You cannot see me for the mass of minds
and eyes and hearts,
You torture me with promises of acknowledgement
of acceptance
I strain my voice for you to hear
With blind ears
blocked and bound to your head.

I see ignorance
melting from your pours like treacle
Your selfish hands touch only what doesn't belong to you
and you stink of arrogance.


March 2005