Extracting Pain Poem by RoseAnn V. Shawiak

Surreal and picturesque like a portrait that I have
painted in my mind.

An explicit and telling portrait of who I am, still
and perfect, showing intense feelings and emotions.

Casting shadows of sorrow and suffering, yet seeing
the smile on my face, filled with spirituality.

Heavenly thoughts never equaled on earth, intense
and vibrant images being traced into childhood.

Watching self learning and trying to raise myself
with childish ideas, protecting self with writing.

Keeping the ridicule of others from touching me,
making them read effects of their cruelty in poems.

Watching them, tears flowing at my words, breath
catching in their throats as they remember taunting
me.

No apologies needed, I have extracted my pain as their
tears fall from their own cruel memories.